Don’t you just hate it when you are ready to install that new program
you found, or the new software application that the department is dying to use,
and you go to install it only to be slapped down with a FATAL ERROR? Or more
accurately, an Error: -1603 fatal error during installation.
That’s really enough to put a serious downer on the whole day, and
definitely enough to keep you from installing the program. Error code 1603 is a
generic error that really just means ERROR_INSTALL_FAILURE, according to
winerror.h.
There are actually a few common causes, with some fairly straightforward
fixes, that can get you past this error with minimal effort. Let’s take a look
at some of the most common causes, and easy fixes, for 1603 errors.
Cause
You are trying to install a program into an encrypted folder.
Fix
If you use the Encrypted File System (EFS) or other third-party
encryption software that has encrypted the destination folder or a folder above
it (but not the entire volume) either decrypt the folder, or select a different
folder that is not encrypted.
Cause
You are trying to install a program to a folder on a drive letter that
is actually a substitute drive.
Fix
Select the actual physical path for the install, rather than the path
through the substitute drive letter.
Cause
The SYSTEM account needs Full Control permission to the destination
folder, and does not have that.
Fix
Remove the ACL that is blocking inheritance for SYSTEM, or grant SYSTEM
the Full Control permission explicitly to the destination folder.
Cause
A file to be replaced is in use by another program.
Fix
Close all open programs, and ensure that they are truly closed by
checking Task Manager. You may instead choose to reboot or even perform a clean
boot if necessary to prevent any background programs from running and locking a
needed file.
Cause
A previous install or uninstall has not completed, or failed.
Fix
Complete the install or uninstall. You may need to reboot to do so. If
you still cannot uninstall or complete the install of the other program,
consult their support site for steps to manually remove the program, including
folders and files to remove and registry keys to delete.
Cause
Required updates are missing.
Fix
Run Windows Update to install any missing updates or patches. Reboot
after completion before attempting the install again.
Cause
The registry contains dead/bad links.
Fix
Consult the vendor’s support documentation for the registry keys used
by the software. Reset these to default or delete them if appropriate before
trying to install the software again.
Error 1603 can completely stop you from installing a new software
package, but only for as long as the root cause still exists. If it is one of
the probable causes lists above, it won’t take you long to get past that, and
on your way to using your new program.