Scenario

When I try to install SQL Server 2008 Express

After opening it with Run as Administrator, the Rule check fails with: Performance counter registry hive consistency.

This KB does have the solution I'm looking for: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/300956.

But I do not have windows vista ultimate disks available. They are at the bankrupt company who sold me my pc.
Any clues to where I can get these files on the net will be greatly appreciated.
Does this key matter ? HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\PolicyAgent\Performance

Is there any meaning in running pts 2-7 in the article without being able to replace the files ?

What I did

I tried running lodctr /R with the performance counter both on and off in the registry.
This did not make any difference.

When I try to install SQL Server 2008 R2 Express

I downloaded and ran SQLEXPRWT_x86_ENU.exe (Microsoft SQL Server  2008 R2 Express Edition With Tools) with Run as Administrator.

The dialog window for SQLEXPRWT_x86_ENU.exe  opened and I selected the first choice
(New Installation or add features to an existing installation)

Rule check completes 100% and then Setup Support Files runs. It seems to complete okay, and the window closes. Then nothing happens. I wait for ages and nothing still happens.

Three processes are shown in System Manager:

SQLEXPRWT_x86_ENU.exe (Microsoft SQL Server  2008 R2 Express Edition With Tools.

Setup.exe (Native SQL Bootstrapper)
Setup100.exe (Managed SQL Server Installer)

Qualified Quess: Bootstrapper Issue ?