Article ID: 814341 - Last Review: December 3, 2007 - Revision: 5.3

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

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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.
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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.
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REFERENCES

For more information about WFP and Windows installer, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa372820.aspx (http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa372820.aspx)
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (32-bit x86)
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition (32-bit x86)
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 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
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Keywords: 
kberrmsg kbprb KB814341
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