2351 and 2355 internal errors when installing software from CD-ROM (296742)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q296742

SYMPTOMS

When you install software that uses the Windows Installer Setup engine from a CD-ROM, you may receive a Setup error message. You may receive one of the following error messages:
Internal Error 2351

Internal Error 2355
Ignoring either of these error messages may result in the software not functioning properly.

CAUSE

This issue is caused by a problem in the Windows Installer software when it performs file extraction from .cab files that are located on a CD-ROM.

RESOLUTION

Windows 2000

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows 2000. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

260910 How to obtain the latest Windows 2000 service pack

Windows NT 4.0

The following file is available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:

DownloadDownload Instmsi.exe now

For additional information about how to download Microsoft Support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

119591 How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services

Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help to prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.

Windows 95 or Windows 98

The following file is available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:

DownloadDownload Instmsi.exe now

For additional information about how to download Microsoft Support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

119591 How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services

Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help to prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, use any of the following methods:
  • Start the computer as "cleanly" as possible and attempt the software installation. To start a computer cleanly, configure Windows to load as few device drivers and programs as possible.
  • Copy the contents of the Setup CD-ROM to a folder on the hard disk, restart the computer in Safe mode, and then attempt the software installation.
  • Use an alternate CD-ROM drive. For example, use a second CD-ROM drive or a CD-ROM drive that is accessible across a network.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Windows Installer software. This problem was first corrected in Windows 2000 Service Pack 2.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

236437 OFF2000: Error message: 'Internal Error 2351' or 'Internal Error 2355' during setup

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/20/2004
Keywords:kbAppSetup kbbug kbfix kbgraphxlinkcritical kbMSI110fix kbQFE KB296742
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