How I Solved Error 2203

(For Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit. Should be the same for other versions)

Yes.

It's the Pain In The A$$ problem

I think I managed to solve it!

Apparently, you must have Permissions set for 'SYSTEM' in 2 Temp Folders.

They are:

C:\Windows\Installer

AND

C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\Temp

It seems that not having set the right permissions set in any of these folders will
not allow microsoft installer to read the files, even though they are already
inside.

So, they work in tandem:

I had an error that stated that it was the file in C:\Windows\Installer that could
not be read.

Well, I checked and full control was given to 'SYSTEM' in the installer folder, but
the problem was fixed after I gave 'SYSTEM' permissions for the
C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\Temp

How to add permissions:

1. Right click folder - Properties - Security tab

2. In 'Group or usernames', you should have 1. Your account name and 2.

SYSTEM

3. If SYSTEM is missing, click 'Edit...', then 'Add...'

4. In 'Enter object names to select', key in 'SYSTEM' then click OK

5. Click on 'SYSTEM' and make sure 'Full Control' is checked in the permissions
window

If you can't find the folders

You'll need to show them hidden folders.

1. Open any window...IE 'My Computer'

2. Click Organise -> Folder and Search Options -> View -> Check 'Show hidden
files, folders, and drives'

So, try this before you do a complete reinstall windows 7. I actually did a
complete reinstall, only to have the same problem again after 2 weeks....I
wonder what causes it.

Anyway, hope I helped.

--------------------

Update 31/8/10:

1. You may have to do this again after certain updates have been applied for
windows. You'd think the patches are created to solve problems like this lol.

2. Use this to solve other problems where the installer just quits for no reason. I
believe it also helps if you have problems uninstalling certain programs. I've used
this to solve the following:

a. Games for Windows Live installation

b. Nvidia driver '..The NVIDIA Control Panel could not be installed..'
c. Installation for Folding@home

Do add a list of problems that you have solved in this thread so that others may
find it. Thanks

Hi,
Perform the following troubleshooting methods:
Method 1:
Follow the steps below and check if it helps.

a.
Go to Start.
b.
Type %temp% in the search box and then click the Temp folder item
that appears at the top.
c.
At the top of the Explorer window, in the address bar, click the folder to
the left of Temp in the folder path (Local by default).
d.
In the folder list, right-click the Temp folder and then click Properties
and then click the Security tab.
e.
Click the Edit button and on the next screen click Add.
f.
On the next screen, in the large text window type Everyone and then
click Check Names - Everyone should then be underlined.
g.
Check the box for Full control under the Allow column, and then click
OK, then OK again, and OK again to close all the windows.
Method 2:
Unregister and re-register the Windows Installer.
Follow the steps:
a.
Click Start, click Run, type msiexec /unregister (without quotes), and
then click OK. Even if you do this correctly, it may look like nothing occurs.
b.
Click Start, click Run, type msiexec /regserver (without quotes), and
then click OK.
Note: Even if you do this correctly, it may look like nothing occurs, or you
may briefly see an hourglass. After you run this command, the operation is
complete.
c.
Try to install the programs you wish to install and check.

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All replies (5)

Answer

Sathish S V replied on February 17, 2012

Hi,
Perform the following troubleshooting methods:
Method 1:
Follow the steps below and check if it helps.
a.
Go to Start.
b.
Type %temp% in the search box and then click the Temp folder item
that appears at the top.
c.
At the top of the Explorer window, in the address bar, click the folder to
the left of Temp in the folder path (Local by default).
d.
In the folder list, right-click the Temp folder and then click Properties
and then click the Security tab.

e.
Click the Edit button and on the next screen click Add.
f.
On the next screen, in the large text window type Everyone and then
click Check Names - Everyone should then be underlined.
g.
Check the box for Full control under the Allow column, and then click
OK, then OK again, and OK again to close all the windows.
Method 2:
Unregister and re-register the Windows Installer.
Follow the steps:
a.
Click Start, click Run, type msiexec /unregister (without quotes), and
then click OK. Even if you do this correctly, it may look like nothing occurs.
b.
Click Start, click Run, type msiexec /regserver (without quotes), and
then click OK.
Note: Even if you do this correctly, it may look like nothing occurs, or you
may briefly see an hourglass. After you run this command, the operation is
complete.
c.
Try to install the programs you wish to install and check.