Installation can fail with Window Installer Coordinator Error

Applies to: Windows Server 2008 R2 DatacenterWindows Server 2008 R2 EnterpriseWindows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-Based Systems More

Symptoms

During the installation of any MSI package that uses the MsiEmbeddedChainer Table it will fail to install on Windows 2008 R2 when Remote Desktop Session Host Windows Installer RDS Compatibility is enabled. It fails because of an endless loop where the dialog box “Windows Installer Coordinator” is displayed.

Cause

This problem is caused by an incompatibility with the Embedded MSI technology and the Windows Installer Coordinator.  The Coordinator is responsible for keeping multiple MSI installations from running concurrently.

Resolution

The work around for this issue is to disable the Remote Desktop Session Host Windows Installer for the duration of the installation. 



The RDSH (Remote Desktop Session Host) setting can be changed using the following

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services\TSAppSrv\TSMSI\Enable.
  • Local Computer Policy (MMC + Group Policy ObjectEditor)\Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\Remote Desktop Session Host\Application Compatibility – Turn off Windows Installer RDS Compatibility
  • This might require changes in group policies by a domain administrator.

More Information

To determine if a chained installation is using the Embedded MSI technology the MsiEmbeddedChainer Table will populated. See http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/bb736316(v=vs.85).aspx, MsiEmbeddedChainer Table.

Technical Overview of Windows Server® 2008 R2 Remote Desktop Services White Paper
http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/B/D/5BD5C253-4259-428B-A3E4-1F9C3D803074/TDM%20RDS%20Whitepaper_RC.docx.

Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2008 R2
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/windows-server/remote-desktop-services.aspx

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Explained
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/ff945046

Changes to remote administration in Windows Server 2008.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947723