Error 1636 error message when you try to install an update more than 127 times for a single Windows Installer (MSI) application: "Patch package could not be opened" (916899)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2003), Professional Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2003), Enterprise Architect Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2003), Enterprise Developer Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2003), Academic Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2002), Professional Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2002), Enterprise Architect Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2002), Academic Edition
  • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (2002), Enterprise Developer Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you try to install more than 127 updates for a single Microsoft Windows Installer (MSI) application in Microsoft Windows, you receive the following error 1636 error message:
Patch package could not be opened

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, issue a major version upgrade. This enables another 127 updates to be applied.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

REFERENCES

For more information about the Windows Installer, visit the following Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Web site:

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

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/3/2006
Keywords:kberrmsg kbwindowsinstaller kbtshoot kbinfo KB916899 kbAudEndUser kbAudITPRO
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