Directx error message

So, I always have this problem with the installation of the sims2 where it gets to about 28% and then gives me a transfer file error, so i decided to try the manual install. I have manually installed the game a few times before but never on this laptop. It is a Dell and it runs on Vista Home premium... But anyway, I was starting the manual install and an error message came up when I pasted the contents of Disk 1 into the "Disk1" folder...
"cannot read from the source file or disk. DirectX Type:Cabinet File"... yadda yadda
I do not understand why I keep getting error messages! Could it be that i need to update directX or something? i dont even know what it is.. UGH! :[ help!!