Resolve Windows Installer Error 1603 With Some Amazing Hacks

By Thomas G. Bass | June 5, 2019

When you are trying to install the Microsoft Windows Installer package, sometimes you might get Windows installer error 1603. This is one of the fatal errors which occurs during installation. And once you click on the OK box, then the installation will roll back. 

This is a common issue and you can resolve it immediately. For that, you should follow a proper strategy. Therefore, if you face this error and want to get rid of it, then you have just landed at the right page. Go through the rest of the content as here we are going to discuss some easy and effective solutions which you can try to fix this problem instantly,

Root Causes of Windows Error 1603:

You might encounter the error 1603 Windows 10 if any of the given condition is true :

  • If the app that you want to install is already installed on your computer
  • The folder that you want to install is encrypted.
  • In case, you have not updated your Operating System for a very long time.

Now have a look at the remaining part of the article to troubleshoot this error within a flicker of time.

Exceptional Solutions you can Try to Fix Windows Installer Error 1603:

You are already aware of the possible causes of this installation error. Now, keep an eye on the effective techniques to fix the issue immediately.

Solution 1- Close the Background Software

Sometimes background software can prevent Windows from installing a program. In this situation, you have to close all the third-party software icons in the Notification area. You can also do the task with the Task Manager. Here is how to do that.

Step 1

In the beginning, you have to press the Windows + X keys together. After that, select Task Manager from the available option. 

Step 2

Next, click on the Processes tab. Under this section, you have to close all the software listed program by clicking on the End Task option. 

Step 3

Besides that, we also suggest you close all the third-party applications. 

Then, reboot your machine and if this troublemaker error code 1603 still persists, then move to the next solution.

Solution 2- Check whether the Application is Already Installed on your Computer 

Sometimes, if the app is already installed, then there is a possibility for the occurrence of this error code. So, you should search for this app and if found, then right-click on the app. Then tap on Pin to Start option. Alternatively, you can uninstall and reinstall the app again.

If you are a Windows 10 user, then click on the Windows icon which is located at the bottom left corner. After that, tap on the Settings option. Within the Settings, scroll down below and tap on the System option. From there, navigate to the Apps & features.

Now, search for the app and if it is already installed, then select the app and right-click on it. At last, tap on the Uninstall button.

Solution 3- Grant Full Control Permission to System Account

If none of the above solutions work for you, then we suggest you open the File Explorer and after that, right-click on the driver that you want to install. Thereafter, navigate to the Properties option.

Then, click on the Security tab and ensure that the Group box contains the system’s user account. In case, you do not found the user account there, then add the System account with the help of the given steps.

  1. Tap on the Edit option. If prompted, then approve the User Account Control.
  2. After that, click on the Add option.
  3. Thereafter, the Select Users window will pop up on the screen. Here, you have to enter the object name to fulfill it. For that, type System and after that, click on the Check names and finally tap on the OK button.
  4. Now, navigate to the Security tab and change the permission click on the Edit button. If promoted, then approve the User Account Control.
  5. Next, click on the System and ensure that the Full Control is set to the Allow and if not, then mark the dialog box locate beside it and finally tap on the OK button.
  6. Again, go back to the Security tab and click on the Advanced option.
  7. Next, what you need to do is to click on the Change Permission option. If promotes, then approve the User Account Control.
  8. Further, navigate to the Permission tab. Under this section, click on the System option and thereafter, tap on the Edit button. Now, drop down and click on the Apply option. Next, click on the OK button. 

Now, wait for the OS to make the changes that you have made. Finally, reboot your system and then check if the issue still appears on the screen or not. If not, then here is another alternative for you.

Solution 4- Remove Temporary Files from the Windows Temp Folder

Sometimes, the issue can occur due to the Windows temp folder. So, purging the temporary files from the temp folder might solve the issue. You can also use third-party software to fix the issue. 

But we suggest you use the inbuilt Windows Disk Clean-up tool and remove the junk files. Here is how to apply this solution on your computer.

[ Note:- This solution is applicable for Windows 10]

Step 1

At first, click on the Taskbar button and open the Cortana. Thereafter, type Disk Clean-up within the Cortana’s search field and hit the Enter button. Thereafter, click on the Disk Clean-up from the available option. 

Step 2

Next, navigate to the C: drive and after that, click on the OK button. Thereafter, go to the Temporary Internet Files and click on it. Next, right-click on it and tap on the Delete File option.

Solution 5- Restart the Windows Installer Services

Restarting and re-registering the Windows Installer can eliminate this Windows installer error 1603. To restart the Windows Installer, at the beginning, press Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run dialog box, After that, type ‘ services.msc’ within the given field and hit the Enter button. 

Next, drop down the listed Windows Installed services. Thereafter, double click on the Windows Installer to open it. Now, once the Windows Installation window opens, then click on the Start button. In case, the service is already running, then press the Stop button and after that, click on the OK button. 

Thereafter, tap on the Apply button. Now, you need to re-register the Windows installation again and for that, you should open the Run dialog box. Then, type ‘msiexec /unregister’ within the Run text box and hit the Enter button.

Next, you need to type ‘‘msiexec /regserver’ within the Run dialog box to re-register the Windows Installer. 

That’s it. We wrap up the short discussion here. We believe with the help of the above solutions, you can troubleshoot the Windows installer error 1603 easily. If you have any queries, then feel free to ask that in the below comment section.

Posted in Windows