unable to load master information file

[Mickey Haist Sr.]

I have a 2.3 gig Celeron running Windows XP and -

I receive an error message "setup is unable to load
master information file" when I try to use the Add/Remove
Windows Components button in the Add or Remove Programs
option from the Control Panel - it seems that I could
uninstall programs with the Change or Remove Programs
button as it does list my programs, but when I click the
Add/Remove Windows Components button I get the "setup is
unable to load master information file" error message and
stay in the Change or Remove Programs window. Microsoft
was not very helpful, but offered links to sites
explaining how to use the Control Panel, etc - I know how
to use the Control Panel and the Add or Remove Programs
option, that's not my problem...I need to know how I can
repair or reinstall, or whatever, this "master
information file". Can you help?

Mickey Haist Sr.