Curious about how program installations work on Windows 10/11? In this article, we’ll explain the process and cover common error messages you may encounter along the way.
About Windows Installer
Windows Installer is the standard technology used by Microsoft to install and deploy applications. It uses the MSI file format to run installers. This is actually different from the typical .EXE file format that is commonly used to execute the installation of programs.
Although it is possible to use it without having to know all the information and details of Windows Installer itself, it is best to understand what it does to easily access complicated features and to troubleshoot issues with it.
What Is InstallShield Error Code 1722?
When Windows Installer fails to install a package on a Windows 10/11 device, it throws error messages like the InstallShield Error code 1722.
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InstallShield is a utility that is used for searching and performing software updates without requiring any user interaction. With this installed, the need to manually update a computer is eliminated. Although it is programmed to automatically launch at startup, it is actually optional and you can disable it if not needed.
Error 1722, on the other hand, is a stop error that shows when Windows Installer fails to install a system package. Once you hit the OK button that comes with the error message pop-up, the error will cause the installation to roll back and fail. This may happen regardless of whether it’s a Microsoft application you’re using or not.
Below are some instances when the InstallShield Error code 1722 may appear:
- Microsoft WSE 3.0 Installation
- Installation of a Security Software Program
- Installation of Java
- Installing Games
- Installing Drivers
- Installing Microsoft Products
What Causes InstallShield Error Code 1722?
You may ask, what causes the error code to appear? Below are some reasons why the InstallShield Error code 1722 shows during the installation of programs:
- Missing or corrupt system files
- Invalid registry entries
- Antivirus program interfering with system processes
- The installer service is not running
- Incomplete installation
- MSI packages are not properly removed from Programs and Features
How to Fix InstallShield Error Code 1722?
If you have encountered the InstallShield Error code 1722, try the solutions we have recommended below. Hopefully, one of them resolves the issue.
Solution #1: Run the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter utility
In this fix, you need to run Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter by Microsoft. This utility allows you to fix issues that are keeping you from installing or removing programs. Sometimes, it even resolves corrupted registry entries.
To use it, follow these steps:
- Download and run the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter utility.
- Upon launch, it will ask you whether you want to find problems on your device and select what to fix or if you prefer to just identify and fix issues automatically.
- And then, it will ask you if you are having problems while uninstalling or installing programs.
- Lastly, it will scan the registry and other system files for any issues. It will then present you with recommended fixes.
Solution #2: Uninstall the program using a third-party uninstaller program
The Programs and Features utility of Windows 10/11 isn’t always that effective in removing software from your computer. In fact, in some cases, even if an app has been successfully uninstalled, there will still be residual files left on your machine. These files can trigger problems and conflicts.
For this, you will need to use a third-party software uninstaller program that is designed to thoroughly remove software programs from your Windows device. After uninstalling a program, download a new installer file and store it in a different location. Finally, close all the active programs on your PC and run the installer file.
Solution #3: Check if the Windows Installer service is running
The installation and uninstallation of software programs are dependent on the Windows Installer service. If this service is disabled, errors may arise such as the InstallShield Error code 1722. So, if you are having problems with installing applications, check if the Windows Installer service is enabled.
Here’s how:
- Go to the Start menu and select Run.
- Into the text field, input services.msc and hit Enter.
- Find the Windows Installer service from the list and double-click on it.
- Set the Windows Installer startup type to manual.
- Hit Start to enable the service and click OK to proceed.
Solution #4: Unregister then re-register the Windows Installer service
If enabling the Windows Installer service does not work, then try to unregister and re-register it to fix the error code. Refer to the steps below for a guide on what to do:
- Press the Windows + R keys to invoke to Run utility.
- Type cmd into the text field and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys. This will launch the Command Prompt with administrator privilege.
- Into the command line, input the msiexec /unreg command and hit Enter. This will unregister the Windows Installer service temporarily.
- Once the command has been executed and you see the success message, type the msiexec /regserver command and press Enter.
- Restart your PC and try to install the software program once again.
Solution #5: Perform a Clean Boot
Sometimes, performing a Clean Boot can eliminate any conflicts that surface during the installation of a software. When you say clean boot, this involves starting your Windows 10/11 device only with the minimum required programs and drivers.
To initiate a clean boot, do the following:
- Type msconfig into the search field and hit Enter. This will launch the System Configuration utility.
- Navigate to the General tab and choose Selective Startup.
- Now, tick the Load Startup Items option and make sure that the Use Original Boot Configuration and Load System Services options are checked.
- Go to the Services tab and tick the Hide All Microsoft Services option.
- Select Disable All.
- Hit OK and restart your PC.
- Windows will now boot in a Clean Boot state.
Solution #6: Repair broken registry entries
Invalid or broken registry entries caused by a recent software installation or uninstallation may also trigger the error code 1722 to appear. In this case, repairing the registry can resolve the problem.
To repair broken registry entries, you can use third-party registry cleaner tools like Auslogics Registry Cleaner. In just a click, this tool clears invalid registry entries. Plus, it will optimize your registry to remove errors and prevent crashes.
Solution #7: Run a malware scan
There are times when viruses and malware entities cause the InstallShield Error code 1722 to appear. To get rid of them, run a complete malware scan.
You need to use a trusted antivirus software program to perform a complete malware scan. Depending on the number of files stored on your device, the scan may take longer. Once the malware scan is done, follow the recommended solutions to remove the viruses.
Summary
In this article, we have enumerated seven solutions to fix InstallShield Error code 1722. While it’s not a fatal error code, knowing what causes it can go a long way in the troubleshooting process.
Let us know your thoughts about the InstallShield error code 1722. Comment down below!