Error message when you try to install a security update for the .NET Framework 2.0 on a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition: "Error 1324. The folder 'Program Files' contains an invalid character"

Applies to: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Datacenter x64 EditionMicrosoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 EditionMicrosoft Windows Server 2003 Standard x64 Edition

Symptoms

Consider the following scenario:
  • You are using a computer that is running Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition; Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition; or Windows Server 2003, Datacenter x64 Edition.
  • You try to install a security update for the .NET Framework 2.0.
In this scenario, you receive an error message that resembles the following:
Error 1324. The folder 'Program Files' contains an invalid character

Resolution

To install a security update for the .NET Framework 2.0, follow these steps:
  1. Temporarily unmount any drive volumes that you do not require. To do this, follow these steps:
    1. Start Windows Explorer.
    2. Right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
    3. Click Disk Management. A list of all drive volumes appears.
    4. Identify any CD-ROM and DVD drive volumes that are configured on the computer. These drive volumes typically contain the text "CD-ROM" or "DVD" together with the drive letter. Note the drive letters so that you can restore the computer to its previous state when you are finished.
    5. Right-click a CD-ROM or DVD drive volume, and then click Change Drive Letters.
    6. Click Remove, and then click OK.
    7. Repeat steps 1e and 1f for each CD-ROM and DVD drive.
  2. Install the security update.
  3. If you are prompted, restart the computer.
  4. Remount the drive volumes. To do this, follow these steps:
    1. Start Windows Explorer.
    2. Right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
    3. Click Disk Management.
    4. Right-click a CD-ROM or DVD drive volume, and then click Change Drive Letters.
    5. Click Add.
    6. Reassign the original CD-ROM or DVD drive letter, and then click OK.
    7. Repeat steps 4d through 4f for each CD-ROM and DVD drive.

More Information

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

923100 When you try to install an update for the .NET Framework 1.0, 1.1, or 2.0, you may receive Windows Update error code "0x643" or Windows Installer error code "1603"