http://bugs.winehq.org/show_bug.cgi?id=24106
--- Comment #4 from Anastasius Focht focht@gmx.net 2010-08-27 14:17:03 CDT --- Hello,
although the code looks pretty brain damaged (many version/build specific checks, was there any QA at this time?), I could not find a code path to reproduce this with "Win98" config. At the time the installer crashes, 'winemenubuilder' is messing with the registry (ideally shouldn't be a problem - but it hurts log analysis a bit).
Could you start off with a clean WINEPREFIX, pre-create it (wineboot) before running the installer, make sure no lingering processes. Set winver to Win98 and start the installer. If it still crashes, repeat previous steps and provide +relay log -> additionally add +reg to debug channels.
I suspect something messed up your registry hive.
Regards