The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

If you are installing (or configuring) software on your Window 7, 8 or 10 PC, you may see ERROR 2503 followed by ERROR 2502:

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

Fortunately there is both a fix and workaround for this problem:

Set the permissions on C:\WINDOWS\TEMP to AUTHENTICATED USERS = FULL CONTROL

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

HOW TO WORK AROUND ERROR 2503 2502:

End task on EXPLORER.EXE and start a new one WITH ADMIN PRIVILIGES.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

You might also try running the .MSI from an elevated command prompt:

SOLVED: Installation Error Code 2502 & 2503

Further information is available from:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/1145-73-internal-error-2503-2502

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/internal-error-25032502/28b361b7-b2d7-494d-8470-5969f6850f5a?auth=1

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling: Well, if you are getting error 2502/2503 internal error when trying to install a new program or uninstalling an existing program then you are at the right place as today we are going to discuss how to resolve this error. The error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling a program seems to be caused because of permissions issue with the Temp folder of Windows which can be usually found in C:\Windows\Temp.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

These are the error you may encounter while installing or uninstalling a program:

  • The NSIS installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package. This may indicate a problem with this package. The error code is 2503.
  • The NSIS installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package. This may indicate a problem with this package. The error code is 2502.
  • Called RunScript when not marked in progress
  • Called InstallFinalize when no install in progress.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

While the issue is not limited to this cause as sometimes virus or malware, incorrect registry, corrupt Windows Installer, incompatible 3rd party programs etc can also cause the error 2502/2503. So without wasting any time let’s see how to actually Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling a program in Windows 10 with the help of below-listed troubleshooting guide.

Contents

  • Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling
  • Method 1: Re-register Windows Installer
  • Method 2: Run CCleaner and Malwarebytes
  • Method 3: Run Installer with Admin rights using Command Prompt
  • Method 4: Run Explorer.exe with administrative privileges
  • Method 5: Set correct permissions for Windows Installer Folder
  • Method 6: Set Correct Permissions for Temp Folder

Make sure to create a restore point just in case something goes wrong.

Pro Tip: Try to run the application by right-clicking and then select Run as Administrator.

Method 1: Re-register Windows Installer

1.Press Windows Key + R then type the following and hit Enter: msiexec /unreg

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

2.Now again open the run dialog box and type msiexec /regserver and hit Enter.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

3.This would re-register the Windows Installer. Reboot your PC to save changes.

Method 2: Run CCleaner and Malwarebytes

Perform a Full antivirus scan to make sure your computer is secure. In addition to this run CCleaner and Malwarebytes Anti-malware.

1.Download and install CCleaner & Malwarebytes.

2.Run Malwarebytes and let it scan your system for harmful files.

3.If malware is found it will automatically remove them.

4.Now run CCleaner and in the “Cleaner” section, under the Windows tab, we suggest checking the following selections to be cleaned:

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

5.Once you’ve made certain the proper points are checked, simply click Run Cleaner, and let CCleaner run its course.

6.To clean your system further select the Registry tab and ensure the following are checked:

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

7.Select Scan for Issue and allow CCleaner to scan, then click Fix Selected Issues.

8.When CCleaner asks “Do you want backup changes to the registry?” select Yes.

9.Once your backup has completed, select Fix All Selected Issues.

10.Restart your PC to save changes and this should Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling a program.

Method 3: Run Installer with Admin rights using Command Prompt

1.Open File Explorer then click View > Options and make sure to check “Show hidden files, folders, and drivers.” Again in the same window uncheck “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).“

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

2.Click Apply followed by OK.

3.Press Windows Key + R then type the following and press Enter:

C:\Windows\Installer

4.Right click in an empty area and select View > Details.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

5.Now right click on the column bar where Name, Type, Size etc is written and select More.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

6.From the list check mark subject and click OK.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

7.Now find the correct program which you want to install from the list.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

8.Press Windows Key + X then select Command Prompt (Admin).

9.Now type the following and hit Enter:

C:\Windows\Installer\Program.msi

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

Note: Instead of the program.msi type the name of the .msi file causing the problem and if the file is located in Temp folder then you would type it’s path and press Enter.

10.This would run the installer with administrative rights and you would not face the Error 2502/2503.

11.Reboot your PC to save changes and this should Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling a program.

Method 4: Run Explorer.exe with administrative privileges

1.Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together to open Task Manager.

2.Find Explorer.exe then right-click on it and select End Task.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

3.Now click on File > Run new task and type Explorer.exe.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

4.Check mark Create this task with administrative privileges and click OK.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

5.Again try to install/uninstall the program which was earlier giving the error 2502 and 2503.

Method 5: Set correct permissions for Windows Installer Folder

1.Open File Explorer then click View > Options and make sure to check “Show hidden files, folders, and drivers.” Again in the same window uncheck “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).“

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

2.Click Apply followed by OK.

3.Now navigate to the following path: C:\Windows

4.Look for Installer folder then right-click on it and select Properties.

5.Switch to Security tab and click Edit under Permissions.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

6.Next, make sure Full Control is checked for System and Administrators.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

7.If not then select them one by one under group or user names then under permissions check mark Full Control.

8.Click Apply followed by OK.

9.Reboot your PC to save changes.

This should Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling a program but if you’re still stuck then follow the steps listed under method 6 for Windows Installer folder also.

Method 6: Set Correct Permissions for Temp Folder

1.Navigate to the following folder in File Explorer: C:\Windows\Temp

2.Right-click on Temp folder and select Properties.

3.Switch to Security tab and then click Advanced.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

4.Click Add button and the Permission Entry window will appear.

5.Now click “Select a principal” and type in your user account.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

6.If you don’t know your user account name then click Advanced.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

7.In the new window that opens click Find now.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

8.Select your user account from the list and then click OK.

9.Optionally, to change the owner of all sub folders and files inside the folder, select the check box “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects” in the Advanced Security Settings window. Click OK to change the ownership.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

10.Now you need to provide full access to the file or folder for your account. Right-click the file or folder again, click Properties, click the Security tab and then click Advanced.

11.Click the Add button. The “Permission Entry” window will appear on the screen.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

12.Click “Select a principal” and select your account.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

13.Set permissions to “Full control” and Click OK.

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package 2503 Windows 10

14.Repeat the above steps for the built-in Administrators group.

15.Reboot your PC to save changes.

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That’s it you have successfully Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling a program in Windows 10 but if you still have any questions regarding this post then feel free to ask them in the comment’s section.

How do you fix the Installer has encountered an unexpected error?

How to Fix "The Installer Has Encountered an Unexpected Error 2203" on Windows 10 and 11.
Run the Installer as Administrator. Some programs require explicit permission to run the installer or programs that can modify the system files. ... .
Take Ownership of the Temp Folder. ... .
Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus and Firewall..

How do I fix error 2503 called Run script when not marked in progress?

Solution:.
Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel..
In Control Panel, double-click Date and Time..
In the Date and Time Properties dialog box, edit the information so that the current date and time are displayed..
Click Apply, and then click OK..
Restart Installation of the software..

How do you fix error 2503 when installing Epic Games?

How to Fix the Epic Games Installer Error 2503 on Windows 11 and....
Download the Epic Games Launcher's Installer File Again. ... .
Run the Epic Games' Installer With the Command Prompt. ... .
Run the Program Install Troubleshooter for Windows 11 & 10. ... .
Scan and Repair the System Files. ... .
Make Sure the Windows Installer Service Is Running..

How do I fix error code 2502 on Epic?

Epic Games error code 2503 and 2502.
Redownload the Installer..
Run the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter..
Run the Installer with Admin privilege..
Run SFC scan..
Run the install operation in Clean Boot state..
Check Windows Installer Service..
Unregister and re-register Windows Installer Service..