Windows installer returned '1601' - WAS: Error 1402. Could not open key

[vmsconnell]

Hello folks,

I foolishly uninstalled a perfectly working VMware (installed from VMware-workstation-6.5.0-118166.exe), unfortunately, the uninstall failed after being stuck on shutting down vmware services. I abruptly shut down the uninstall operation but this time, no trace was left in the 'Uninstall or change a Program Window'. Since subsequent installs of 'VMware-workstation-6.5.3-185404.exe' (or the older version) insisted that an older version of VMware existed, I then attempted 'Windows Install Clean up' tool.

That did not help either.

Now after any 6.5x install, the end result is now: Error 1402. Could not

open key:

UNKNOWN\Components\DA2BC89BF25F5BD0AF18C3B9B1A1EE8\2BC5FF3A53BF85647815E9EDD1563BAA.

Verify that you have sufficient access to that key, or contact your support

personnel.

Clicking OK rolls back the entire install and nothing gets installed.

Looking for this key in the Registry finds this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Components\2A31EAB9FA7E3C6D0AF18C3B9B1A1EE8\

I have no difficulty opening 2BC5FF3A53BF85647815E9EDD1563BAA sub-key.

Anyone?

As it stands, I can no longer use/install VMware (any version).

OS: Windows Vista 64bit (no, I hadn't had a single problem with VMware, until now!)

[vmsconnell]

I should also point out that I do have admin rights, I also right-clicked and selected RUN AS ADMINISTRATOR on the VMware installer. Made no difference.

[vmsconnell]

I also tried to install by logging in as Administrator. No luck!

[TobiasKracht]

Cleaning system after bad install

StarWind Software R&D

[vmsconnell]

Thank you for the reply/link. I followed those instructions exactly.... but now...

Unfortunately, when I try to install VMware, now I get the error:

"An error occured installing the package. Windows installer returned '1601'.

...and yes, I even re-registered the Windows installer.

I've never had so much trouble installing a package. I am at a loss as to what to do next! There is absolutely nothing (but a NT SP6a reference) in the community about this sort of problem. Oddly, there are many references to this problem in the wild but there is no working solution.

I cannot believe I will have to re-install Vista 64 to solve this problem (yes... I even tried a roll back but the roll back failed for 'unknown' reason!).

Guess I'm having a bad week!

[Scissor]

Try installing to a different destination folder.

Edit: Oops you are still having registry key problems. Don't think my above suggestion will help. Sorry.

[vmsconnell]

Thank you for your reply.

However, I no longer even get an option to choose the install folder. Shortly after executing the VMware installer, I get that '1601' error. That is, just after the installer states, "Preparing VMware workstation for installation....."

[vmsconnell]

Here is the last error message!

I'm stuck, I cannot install ANY version of VMware, not even version 7.0!! ?:|

The oddest part of this is that only VMware installations are affected in this manner.

!problem 0 with vmware install.jpg!

[TobiasKracht]

Open menu start and type in search field

%windir%\system32\msiexec /unregserver

than type

%windir%\system32\msiexec /regserver

Than click on allow, and try to run installer again.

StarWind Software R&D

http://www.starwindsoftware.com