Update failure, error code 1603

[blows52]

Currently running ver 5.3.0.111 but when I try to update, it fails, miserably at that. Apparently, it says that I have 5.8 installed and gives me an error code 1603. Any suggestions please?

[Neil]

this is Windows Installer issue

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/834484

[blows52]

Yea.. Doesn't really solve my problem..

• Install the package to a folder that is not encrypted.
  I can't install the update if I can't remove a version I don't have.
• Install the package to a drive that is not accessed as a substitute drive.
  Don't have a substitute drive.
• Grant Full Control permissions to the SYSTEM account. (for Windows 2000 and Windows XP only)
  Yea, I have Windows 7.

[blows52]

Any one else with any solutions?

[ruwim · Accepted solution]

I’m not sure if this will help but you can try to run the “Fix it” from this Microsoft article:

http://support.microsoft.com/mats/Program_Install_and_Uninstall/en

[BEuler]

I've run into the same problem and since non of skype support systems was either reachable or could be connected, nor was it helpful. I decided to do it the dirty way as I am a developer myself and know what I am doing, or at least I hope so... (coming from version 5.8.0.154 but same with the 5.8.0.14 I just saw your post when I was trying to find the 1603 error in the FAQ:

goto C:\ProgramData\Skype\

there will be various folders (depending on how many versions you had installed previously) with {kombinationoflettersandnumbers} choose the one the error message was referring to.

within that dir you will find a <file>.msi for me it was was skype.msi

Just rename it the way the Skype update wants it to be called (in my case it was SkypeSetup_5.8.0.154/5.8.0.14

The problem seems to be that the skype installation will not be able to find or rename the original msi installer of the older/previous version installed (for uninstalling purposes) but will use any other as long as it has the same name. Keep in mind that this is a dirty way and I'm sure that it is not supposed to work this way, but for me it did as I expected.

There definitely is an error either in the install (if the msi is needed for uninstall it should be stored somewhere in the program's dir) or the download/update routine but I have other things to do then other people's job. I was annoyed enough to do it cause it will influence the install on approx 200 machines here but decided different as I could solve it using the way described above.

[blows52]

---

ruwim wrote:

I’m not sure if this will help but you can try to run the “Fix it” from this Microsoft article:

http://support.microsoft.com/mats/Program_Install_and_Uninstall/en

---

YESSSSSSSSSS!! This worked for me!!! +1 to you sir

[nzdansl]

Having same problem coming up from 5.8.0.158

Is it a Skype or Microsoft problem??

Looks like Skype to me - are the going to fix it??

[nzdansl]

Used the Microsoft "Fix" and Downloaded Skype - so have new version = 5.9.0.123

[falkenstrom]

I had this annoying persisting problem for weeks, until I found a great solution:

1. In your Skype application go to Help > About Skype.

2. Write down the exact version in this format: X.X.X.XXX

3. Go to this site to download a new installation file. 

http://www.oldapps.com/skype.php

IMPORTANT: You must find exactly the same version as you have installed!!!

4. Download the installation file.

5. Run the installation. It will install "on top" of your old installation - and you will find the full uninstall information as well. You will find it in the Control panel > Programs and applications.

6. When you have installed Skype - it worked smoothely for me -  check for updates. In a couple of minutes I had the old version uninstalled and the brand new version on my computer

I run Windows 7 Home Premium.

This worked for me on 2012.11.15 - Hopefully it will for you too

Good luck! - Bertil in Sweden