I run into this issue sometimes and always end up on a google search spelunking trip until I find whatever workaround forces skype to install this time.
So how do I fix skype installer failing with error 1603?
0
Add a comment
|
4 Answers
Error 1603 is a generic error message return from the msi-installer. The easiest fix is running the msi directly from here: http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-msi
If that doesn't work you can supposedly use lessmsi and unpack the skype.exe (from the msi-file downloaded in the last section) which should be able to bootstrap on it's own. Put it somewhere you'd like skype installed and start skype.exe
answered Mar 10, 2014 at 15:27
-
-
Probably the most useless comment ever. Yes I have searched. No it doesnt turn up anything useful. Mar 21, 2014 at 4:47
-
It's to point out that, as you say in this answer, 1603 is a very generic error -- not to suggest it's leading to a specific fix. Mar 21, 2014 at 12:43
This can be resolved by renaming the Skype folder in AppData\Roaming:
- Windows Key + R > CMD
rename "%appdata%\Skype" "Skype_"- Run Skype Installer
Confirmed on Win10 1607 with Skype 7.33.105.
I found that simply trying to uninstall Skype did not fix this error, because the error dictates that it cannot remove the old version of Skype.
After much searching I found a fix and posted the information here to my blog. Basically I would suggest running through the steps suggested here. I am certain you will find a solution here.
If you are receiving the error above, this is probably not going to work for you. Because this error states it cannot uninstall app.
- Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs
- Choose the program if you can find it.
- Uninstall.
- Remove registry files for Skype
Always exercise extreme caution when working with registry keys. You can do major damage here! I just exporting and backing up before any change you make.
- Start > Search > Type regedit
- Open HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
- Open SOFTWARE.
- Find Skype.
- Backup files by rigth click and exporting them to another location.
- Delete the Skype folder.
Try using the Microsoft Automated Fix
- Go to http://support2.microsoft.com/mats/program_install_and_uninstall/ and click the big Fix Now Button.
- Follow the directions and choose the program you are having trouble with, which in this case will be Skype.
- This method was successful for me.
Uninstall Security Update KB2918614
This Update is known to cause errors in msi (install files)
- Start > Search > WIndows Updates
- Search for “KB2918614″, if the update is installated try uninstalling it.
The third step worked a gem for me and I was able to install Skype successfully after.
-
1Although your answers have been relevant, most or all of them are promotional in nature. This is likely to result in your account being suspended. If you'd like to promote your own products, please consider purchasing ads on Stack Exchange. See also the help center and meta.superuser.com/questions/2352.– bwDracoJan 5, 2015 at 21:55
-
Note: Account was suspended for 7 days starting from 2015-01-05 at 21:53 UTC for a spam post.– bwDracoJan 5, 2015 at 21:56
The problem seems to be related to the Program Files (x86) directory. It still wouldn't install in the default location, so I changed it to C:/Skype and it installed correctly.
