Flash Player install fails due to "The Flash Player ActiveX control could not be registered" error.

I am using Windows XP SP3 and Internet Explorer version 8.0.6001.18702

I have tried every applicable Flash Player download/install procedure provided on  http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/installation-problems-flash-player-windows.html  My basic approach has been to:

  1. Verify I'm logged in as the administrator and that Internet Explorer security and JavaScript settings are correct
  2. Disable my Norton Real-Time Protection and close all programs that use the Flash Player
  3. Perform an uninstall of Flash Player with uninstall_flash_player.exe and delete all files in C:\Windows\system32\Macromed\Flash
  4. Cleanse the register using subinacl.exe (Windows Resource Kits) in conjunction with reset_fp11.bat file from Adobe
  5. Recycle computer power
  6. Attempt to install Flash Player using install_flash_player_11_active_x.exe

The above procedure has been repeated many, many times halting with "The Flash Player ActiveX control could not be registered" error (see Attachment).  Tried one time using msconfig to set a diagnostic startup to limit all the background software running. 

I have been to the Adobe forum for help and my above approach has incorporated all their inputs.  The Microsoft Forum

so far feels that this anomaly is being caused by malware or a virus.  Please provide any recommendations for further troubleshooting this problem and installing the Flash Player.