Windows installer determining installation mode

For more information, see How to enable Windows Installer logging. Note If you're running the. For example, you can run the following command:. A failed installation typically logs "Return Value 3" where the problem occurred and where the installation rollback began. The description of the failure appears immediately before the Return Value 3 log entry. You can use the Wilogutl. This tool may suggest solutions to errors that are found in a log file.

It is available in the latest Windows Software Development Kit. The following is an example of how to use the Wilogutl. You may be able to manually uninstall some parts of the program through the Windows interface.

For example, you may be able to delete program files and folders. Because the steps to do this may differ widely, depending on the version of Windows that you're running and on the program that you're trying to uninstall, no prescriptive steps are provided here.

If you're not sufficiently familiar with the program that you're trying to uninstall to positively identify the files and folders for that program, we do not recommend that you try this method. Generally, when you begin to delete program files and folders, you run the risk of damaging your operating system. Use this method at your own risk. If you are considering uninstalling the program manually, be aware of the following:. For example, move this material into the Documents folder.

If you cannot manually delete a program file, this may mean that the file is being used or that some other program is accessing the file and preventing you from deleting it. For example, antivirus software may be accessing the file. When antivirus software is accessing a program file and making it impossible to delete it, it's likely that this same antivirus software was preventing you from uninstalling the program by more traditional means.

Install a program. Uninstall or change a program. Installing programs: frequently asked questions. Could not start the Windows Installer service on Local Computer. Error 5: Access is denied. To determine whether you're using an account that has administrator rights. Click Start. Type the following command in the Start Search or Search programs and files box, and then press Enter: timedate.

Do one of the following, depending on what happens when you click Continue: If your computer does not prompt you for a password, you are already logged on with an administrator account.

Click Start, and then click Run. Type the following command in the Run dialog box, and then press OK : timedate. Try to install or uninstall again. Click OK to close the Properties window. Try to install or to uninstall again. Fix that installation or update process was not completed successfully. The installation or update method doesn't run to completion There are several methods that can be used to install, to uninstall, or to update a program.

The following are common methods that are used to install software: Insert the CD or DVD media, and then let the installation auto-start. The setup file is typically one of the following: Autorun or Autorun.

Method 3: Obtain a fresh version of the installation packageIf you tried to install from a CD or DVD, do the following: Check the software manufacturer's website for a more recent version of the software package. Downloaded or copied installation files are corrupted Method 1: Copy the installation files to your computerCopy the installation files to a local hard disk on your computer or to other removable media.

Method 2: Obtain a fresh version of the installation packageIf some time has elapsed between when you downloaded the package and when you tried to install it, do the following: Check the software manufacturer's website for a more recent version of the software package.

Programs that are currently running on your computer are interfering with the installation process Disable programs that might be interfering with the installation process. To do this, follow these steps: Click Start , type msconfig in the Search box, and then click msconfig.

Click OK , and then click Restart. Try running your software program installation. The following are common methods that are used to install software: Method 1: Use the uninstall option if available Click Start , and then click All Programs.

Select the folder for the program that you are trying to uninstall, and then open the folder. If there is an uninstall option, try using it. Enable MSI logging, and then read the. If you are considering uninstalling the program manually, be aware of the following: Before you use this method, make sure that you create a system restore point.

If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact tnmff microsoft. Instead, you can run the. I've also seen many threads that mention Windows Installer doing the automatic mode switch. Office Office Exchange Server. Not an IT pro? Resources for IT Professionals. Sign in. United States English. Ask a question. Quick access. Yes, that's odd.

If it's not really silent as specified by the command line then Windows will believe it can show error messages, files-in-use dialogs etc, so it won't really be silent. You should consider implementing unattended install the standard way, otherwise you're asking how to do something that people don't actually do - you're inventing your own functionality. Add a comment.

Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer. It's possible that your setup is not optimally designed if you need to figure this out, or it's got incorrect code somewhere.

You may need to post the actual problem you're trying to solve rather than ask the question that seems to indicate you have decided the solution is find out if it's a silent install.

One example is that if you have a message in your code that you don't want to show because it's a silent install, then you are using the wrong API. Sign up or log in Sign up using Google. Sign up using Facebook. Sign up using Email and Password. Post as a guest Name. Email Required, but never shown. The Overflow Blog.