BUG #3804: initdb.exe cannot be started

The following bug has been logged online:

Bug reference: 3804
Logged by: Juergen Zimmermann
Email address: Juergen.Zimmermann@HS-Karlsruhe.de
PostgreSQL version: 8.3 beta4
Operating system: Windows XP Prof. SP2
Description: initdb.exe cannot be started
Details:

I wanted to install PG 8.3beta4 with just the ZIP file, i.e. without the
installer.

When invoking "initdb -A password -E UTF8 -U postgres -W" as an
unpriviledged Windows user I get this German error message:

"Das angegebene Programm kann nicht ausgeführt werden."

Basically this means:
"The specified program cannot be executed".

Using 8.3beta2 there was no problem

When you usd the non-installer version you have to take care to have the correct version of the microsoft runtime libraries yourself. Most likely the ones you have are the wrong servicepack level.

IIRC there's a note of it in the readme or so. If not, it should be added.

/Magnus