Error 1618: Another program is being updated

This error is seen during installation of a program. It indicates failure to install a program as another program is being updated.

Affected programs:

• HP Printer Driver software
• Java
• Skype
• Others

Wait for another Installation to Complete

The general rule is that Windows Installer can run one installation at a time. Do not attempt to install a new program until previous installation is finished. Wait for other program installation to finish.

Terminate MSIEXEC.EXE Service

MSIEXEC.EXE is a Windows Installer service. Windows Installer is used to install programs on your PC. It may be installing another program. Simply terminate the installation by ending MSIEXEC.EXE service.

 

• Right click your Taskbar, select Task Manager.
• Click “More details” link in lower left corner.
• Click Services tab.
• Right click msiexec.exe process, select Stop.

Copy Installation Files to Hard Disk

The setup program may have failed to modify installer files. If you’re running a setup through a DVD ROM, copy installation files to your hard disk. Setup cannot modify files stored on a DVD ROM.

Delete Setup Extracted Contents

A setup program extracts installation files to temporary folders. Setup copies files to a default temporary folder or to a custom folder specified by the user. In latter case, exit the setup, locate the parent folder and delete all extracted contents.

 

Default temporary folders are listed below:

• C:\Windows\Temp
• C:\Users\{UserName}\AppData\Local\Temp

Remember, the actual temporary folder may vary depending on how you have configured your operating system.

Reregister Windows Installer Files

Check for problems with Windows Installer registry files. Unregister and reregister the files with Command Prompt. Remember, you must close all open programs prior to file registration.

 

• Press Windows Key + X. Select Command Prompt (Admin).
• You have the Command Prompt opened up with administrative privileges.
• Type following commands one by one:
  msiexec /unregister
  msiexec /regserver
  exit
• Restart your PC to successfully finish the process.

Update Windows Installer

You may have an outdated version of Windows Installer installed. Update to the latest version available on Microsoft Download Center.

Change Group Policy Editor Settings

Using Group Policy Editor determines required permissions for Debug Programs feature by adding administrator account.

 

• Press Windows Key + R.
• Type “gpedit.msc” and click OK.
• This opens up Group Policy Editor.
• Locate following node:
  Computer Configuration | Windows Settings | Security Settings | Local Policies | User Rights Assignment
• Double click Debug Programs in right panel.
• You have now Debug Programs Properties dialog box opened.
• This dialog comes up with a list of users with administrative privileges. Make sure the Administrators account is displayed in the list. If necessary, add it by clicking “Add user or group” button.
• Click OK, exit out of the screen.

Run the Setup as Administrator

In order to modify your computer’s Registry you must run the setup with administrative privileges.

 

• Right click the setup program.
• Select Run as administrator from context menu.

Change Installation Folder

The setup may have failed to install the program in selected folder. Exit the setup, select another non-system drive for installation and re-run it again.

Change Installation Folder Security Permissions

Make sure the installation folder has adequate read, write access permissions. The setup tries to copy files to the installation folder. Inadequate permissions abort the file copying operation.

 

• Double click Computer icon on Desktop. Open the installation folder.
• Right click the installation folder, select Properties.
• This opens up Folder Properties dialog box. Click Security tab.
• Click Edit button.
• In subsequent dialog, provide full control, modify, read & execute, and other permissions.
• Click OK | OK.

Delete Specified Registry Entries

InProgress string shows that a previous installation is still pending. Determine whether previous installation has configured these Registry keys properly. Remove pending status from the Registry.

 

• Press Windows Key + R.
• Type “RegEdit”, and then click OK.
• This opens up Registry Editor. Now locate the following subkey:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\
• Right click “PendingFileRenameOperations” string, and select Delete option. Confirm the action when you’re prompted to do so.
• Locate following subkey:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer
• Delete the string named “InProgress”.
• Locate following subkey:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates
• Double click “UpdateExeVolatile” string, replace existing value with “0” and click OK.
• Exit out of the screen, reboot your PC.