installing software

HELP ME PLEASE SOMEBODY
each time I try to install any software on my computer I get the following
error messages: cannot determine configuration
remote procedure call failed
error ocurred while launching setup
I have searched everywhere trying to find the answer - most of it is so
technical I have no idea of what they are telling me. Is there anyone out
there who can tell me in laymen terms what the problem is and how to fix it?
Also, one more problem - I tried to start the Application Manager in the
services (control panel) and I get a message - Error 126 specified module
could not be found. I would greatly appreciate any help.