What does Windows error code 1618 (ERROR_INSTALL_ALREADY_RUNNING) mean?

 
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ERROR_DEVICE_REMOVED ERROR_INSTALL_PACKAGE_OPEN_FAILED

ERROR_INSTALL_ALREADY_RUNNING

ERROR_INSTALL_ALREADY_RUNNING means that another installation is currently executing. Windows Installer serializes actions in its execute sequences, so a second install, repair, patch, or uninstall can be rejected while the first one is active.

How to handle it

  • Wait for the active installation to finish and preserve its log before starting another MSI operation.
  • Serialize deployment jobs rather than retrying several installers in parallel.
  • For software that needs to detect this state, use the documented Windows Installer mutex and service-status guidance.

Microsoft: _MSIExecute Mutex · Microsoft: Windows Installer error codes


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