REFERENCE · WINDOWS INSTALLER
Windows Installer error codes, explained one at a time
A program that will not install or uninstall usually leaves a number behind. Each page gives the exact text Microsoft documents for that number, the causes Microsoft lists and its fixes in order, safest first, each with a way to undo it. Every page also says what PC Tweaker Uninstaller does when it meets that error, and what it does not.
Find your number
The number comes from one of two places. A setup's own window shows a numbered message, such as 1722 or 2503. When Windows Installer runs without a window, the program that started it gets an exit code instead, such as 1603 or 1618. Windows Installer also records how each installation and removal ended in the Application log; this command reads the last ten entries and changes nothing.
Read how recent installations and removals ended (PowerShell)
Microsoft documents event 1033 for an installation and 1034 for a removal: each names the product and the status number, which is 0 on success.
PowerShellGet-WinEvent -FilterHashtable @{ LogName='Application'; ProviderName='MsiInstaller'; Id=1033,1034 } -MaxEvents 10 | Format-List TimeCreated, Id, Message
The errors
- Error 1603: Fatal Error During InstallationShows the exit code
A fatal error occurred during installation.
- Error 1618: Another Installation Is Already in ProgressShows the exit code
Another installation is already in progress. Complete that installation before proceeding with this install.
- Error 1601 and 1719: Windows Installer Service Could Not Be AccessedShows the exit code
Windows Installer service could not be accessed. Contact your support personnel to verify that it is properly registered and enabled.
- Error 1605: This Action Is Only Valid for Installed ProductsNames the cause
This action is only valid for products that are currently installed.
- Error 1612 and 1706: Installation Source Is Not AvailableShows the exit code
The installation source for this product isn't available. Verify that the source exists and that you can access it.
- Error 1619 and 1620: This Installation Package Could Not Be OpenedShows the exit code
This installation package couldn't be opened. Verify that the package exists and is accessible, or contact the application vendor to verify that this is a valid Windows Installer package.
- Error 1622: Error Opening Installation Log FileShows the exit code
There was an error opening installation log file. Verify that the specified log file location exists and is writable.
- Error 1625: This Installation Is Forbidden by System PolicyShows the exit code
This installation is forbidden by system policy. Contact your system administrator.
- Error 1638: Another Version of This Product Is Already InstalledInstall-time error
Another version of this product is already installed. Installation of this version can't continue. To configure or remove the existing version of this product, use Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel.
- Error 1722 and 1723: There Is a Problem With This Windows Installer PackageShows the exit code
There is a problem with this Windows Installer package. A program run as part of the setup did not finish as expected. Contact your support personnel or package vendor. Action [2], location: [3], command: [4]
- Error 1935: Error During the Installation of Assembly ComponentInstall-time error
An error occurred during the installation of assembly component [2]. HRESULT: [3]. {{assembly interface: [4], function: [5], assembly name: [6]}}
- Error 1402 and 1406: Could Not Open Key or Write ValueShows the exit code
Could not open key: [2]. System error [3].
- Error 2502 and 2503: The Installer Has Encountered an Unexpected ErrorShows the exit code
Called RunScript when not marked in progress.
- 0x80073CFA: Uninstall of a Microsoft Store App FailedShows Windows' reason
Package removal failed.
What PC Tweaker Uninstaller does when a removal fails
The Uninstaller removes a Windows Installer program with the command it shows first, msiexec.exe /x with the program's product code, silently and without restarting, after asking Windows for a restore point when the removal needs administrator rights. When that command fails, the report shows the exit code and says the program may not be fully removed, and the attempt is kept in the Removal Ledger. It explains three codes in words: 1602, the removal was cancelled; 1605, the product is not installed; and 3010, the removal worked and a restart is needed. It does not retry, repair Windows Installer, change permissions or policies, or force an entry out of the list.
Each page quotes Microsoft's documentation and links it. Numbers whose texts differ by a few words share a page, and an error is added only when people search for it and every statement can be sourced. To remove a specific program, see the guide to uninstalling a program completely; for the process behind these errors, see msiexec.exe in the Windows database.