Rutabaga64 what os on you on XP, Vista, Seven 32bit, 64bit ?
If you got 169 error then there is a 94% chance that your computer has registry problems..
here is something I found hope it helps
the Site
http://www.error-fix-tool.com/error.php?t=169
Technical (Deep) Description of Error Code 169:
Microsoft Windows [Version 5.2.3790]
(C) Copyright 1985-2003 Microsoft Corp.
This is a full Description of ERROR CODE 169:
ERROR 169: BOOTING_IN_SAFEMODE_NETWORK.This error is due to The system is booting in safemode - Minimal Services with Network.The default facility code
ERROR 169: SQL_169_severity_15.This error is due to A column has been specified more than once in the order by list. Columns in the order by list must be unique..The default facility code
ERROR 169: STATUS_BAD_MASTER_BOOT_RECORD.This error is due to The type of a token object is inappropriate for its attempted use. .The default facility code
Look for this just above the comments
Error 169 Repair tool
Or right Click on the above words (Error 169 Repair tool)
and it will open a download box to download it
then click open link in new tab
Hope this helps you out
and let the other know what OS it is