4.08 to 4.09 Disaster! Help!

[mjfur]

I had to do a reload of IL-2. I installed IL-2 1946, it opens as 4.07m. I then installed the 4.08 patch and the game opens as 4.08m. When I install 4.09, the patch seems to open and install correctly, but after that the game will not start.
I then have to un-install IL-2 1946, clean the registry and start all over. I've done this 3 or 4 times now with no luck.

What am I missing? Is the 4.09 patch corrupted? It should just auto install correct?

I'm running XP, 2.2 cpu, Nvid 7800GT, 2G mem, 4.08m runs fine, but 4.09m will not even start.

Whats next???

TIA,