SQL Server Express 2008 R2 won't install

[Ron Weller]

I am trying to install SQL Server Express 2008 R2
Keep getting the same error. Can't open patch file ''.

[Steve R Jones]

Which OS are you trying to install it on?

Co-worker can't install any SQL express app on Win 8...even though it "should" work..

[Ron Weller]

Windows XP Professional SP3

[Steve R Jones]

Make sure you have all of the needed dot net framework versions installed.

[Ron Weller]

Yes I do.
My problem is that I tried to upgrade 2005 to 2008 which failed, so I then uninstalled 2005. but now 2008 won't completely install.
it get an error about unable to open patch file.
Here is the full error message text:
TITLE: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Setup
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The following error has occurred:

SQL Server Setup has encountered an error when running a Windows Installer file.

Windows Installer error message: This patch package could not be opened. Verify that the patch package exists and that you can access it, or contact the application vendor to verify that this is a valid Windows Installer patch package.

Windows Installer file: c:\90404d0c020c6d103d\x86\setup\sql_engine_core_shared_msi\sql_engine_core_shared.msi
Windows Installer log file: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Setup Bootstrap\Log\20130703_195517\sql_engine_core_shared_Cpu32_1.log

Click 'Retry' to retry the failed action, or click 'Cancel' to cancel this action and continue setup.

For help, click: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?LinkI...ype=0xC24842DB

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[fenrenren]

My SQL sever won't completely install --- windows 7