Windows Installer Installation Stops with an Error Stating System Files Could Not Be Updated (814341)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Datacenter Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Premium Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Standard Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you try to install a program by using the Windows Installer, you may receive an error message that states that one or more system files could not be updated, and the installation may not continue.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because when the Windows Installer runs, it first contacts the Windows File Protection (WFP) feature to determine if any files to be installed are protected operating system files. The Windows Installer never tries to install or replace a protected file, so the installer contacts WFP. If a destination file is protected, WFP installs the file, and then the Windows Installer compares the two files. If the files are different, you receive an error message that indicates that the system files could not be updated.

REFERENCES

For more information about WFP and Windows installer, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/msi/setup/windows_file_protection_on_windows_2000_and_windows_xp.asp

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/19/2003
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB814341
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.