What does Windows error code 1601 (ERROR_INSTALL_SERVICE_FAILURE) mean?

 
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ERROR_INSTALL_SERVICE_FAILURE

ERROR_INSTALL_SERVICE_FAILURE is returned when Windows Installer cannot access its service. It does not by itself prove that the MSI package is damaged: the failure happens before the package can be processed normally.

What to check

  • Record the exact command line and whether the failure occurs for every MSI package or only one product.
  • Check the Windows Installer service state and the related Application event-log entries before changing the package.
  • Enable installer logging and keep the resulting log with the service and event details for the product vendor or administrator.

Microsoft: Windows Installer error codes · Microsoft: Windows Installer logging


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