When you encounter Error 1500 stating "Another installation is in progress. You must complete that installation before continuing this one" while trying to install a CDE Software program, it indicates a conflict with another installation process. Here's how to resolve it:
Symptoms
While attempting to install any CDE Software product, Windows displays Error 1500, indicating that another installation is currently in progress.
Causes
This error can occur due to two main reasons:
1. Multiple Instances of MSIEXEC.EXE Running: Installation routines for programs often utilize MSIEXEC.EXE, the Windows installer service. However, only one installation can use MSIEXEC.EXE at a time. If another program is already using MSIEXEC.EXE, any subsequent attempts to initiate an installation will be blocked until the first program releases the service.
2. Registry Key Issue: When an MSI installation starts, it sets a flag in the Windows Registry to indicate that an installation is underway. Other installations check this flag; if they detect it, they will not proceed. If this registry key is not properly removed after an installation completes, it can falsely indicate that an installation is still in progress.
Resolution
To fix this error, follow these steps:
1. Reboot the Computer: The simplest and often most effective solution is to restart your computer. This can clear any locks on MSIEXEC.EXE and reset the registry state, allowing you to attempt the installation again.
2. Use Microsoft's Msizap Utility: If a reboot does not resolve the issue, you might need to use a tool like Msizap.exe to clean up remnants of failed installations. Msizap.exe is a command-line utility provided by Microsoft that can remove the remnants of installations from your system. However, this tool was part of the older Windows Installer Cleanup Utility and is generally not recommended for use on newer versions of Windows due to potential risks to system stability. Note: As of the latest updates, Microsoft has deprecated and no longer supports Msizap.exe due to these risks. Instead, they recommend troubleshooting installation issues through other means, such as using the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter provided by Microsoft Support.
3. Check for Running Installations* Open Task Manager and look for any instances of MSIEXEC.EXE. If you find any, you can end these processes to potentially free up the installer. However, do this with caution as it might disrupt any legitimate ongoing installations.
4. Manual Registry Clean-up: If you are experienced with editing the registry, you can check for the specific keys indicating an ongoing installation and remove them manually. This should only be done by users who are comfortable with registry editing, as incorrect changes can lead to system instability.
- Open the Registry Editor (type `regedit` in the Start menu search and press Enter).
- Navigate to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\InProgress` and `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\PendingFileRenameOperations`.
- If these keys are present, delete them, but be sure you understand the implications of modifying the registry.
For most users, restarting the computer and checking for running MSIEXEC.EXE processes should resolve the issue. If problems persist, consider seeking professional technical support to avoid unintended system issues.