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Returning Member
posted Apr 15, 2022 4:20:33 PM

error 1603

Trying to start TurboTax 2021, Home and Small Business, it wants to update.  Going thru the process, I get, "Failed to install update.  Microsoft Installer error 1603, Faltal error during installation.

 

I tried restarting Windows.

I disabled Windows built in firewall and antivirus.

I started TurboTax as administrator.  

I updated Windows 10.

I downloaded and ran dotnetfix.

I ran sfc /scannow as administrator.

I downloaded and ran the manual update.

I pulled the ethernet cable out of my computer but it still wants to update.

 

I called Intuit and asked for a call back.  They said roughly 45 minutes.  In roughly 45 minutes I got a call back from a recorded message that said to check their website for help.  Ugh.  I had been doing that for a long time!  Frustration.

 

Anyone got any ideas to try?

 

2 12 1939
12 Replies
Level 15
Apr 15, 2022 4:39:49 PM
Returning Member
Apr 15, 2022 4:44:30 PM

I appreciate the reply but that page says, "If error 1603 occurs while updating TurboTax, download and install a manual update."  I downloaded and installed the manual update (w_perrelsuperpatchlS_ttax_[phone number removed].exe).  It didn't change anything as starting TurboTax still goes thru the auto update process and fails.

 

Returning Member
Apr 15, 2022 5:57:10 PM

Another data point, I still have TurboTax 2020 installed on this pc.  I started it up, it went thru the update process and then started successfully.  

 

Level 2
Apr 15, 2022 6:03:14 PM

Try updating your Defender Antivirus. 

Returning Member
Apr 15, 2022 6:17:07 PM

Done.  I also tried it with it turned off.

 

Level 2
Apr 15, 2022 6:34:32 PM

Ok.

These are the steps I tried. 

If you have the software...

•Uninstall

•Update Antivirus Defender

•Reinstall software

That, so far, seem to work for me. 

Otherwise, 

If you have tried that, and it's with Microsoft. You may need to go to Help.Microsoft.com

If you call

[phone number removed]

It will direct you to go to the website. 

May the force be with you. 😑

 

Returning Member
Apr 15, 2022 8:50:18 PM

Well, uninstalling and reinstalling caused it to work, including auto updates.  This does not fill me with confidence in the product or the company.

 

Oh well, thanks to all that responded.

 

Level 2
Apr 15, 2022 9:04:46 PM

You're welcome. 

New Member
Feb 10, 2024 1:36:16 PM

Bummer; the uninstall and reinstall - and cleaning up my pc - did not allow it to work for me.

Expert Alumni
Feb 12, 2024 11:48:02 AM

We'd love to help you complete your tax return, but need more information. Can you please clarify your question? You are posting on an old thread.

New Member
Feb 25, 2025 6:22:15 PM

Can I download the TurboTax 2024 updates from the TurboTax website?

Expert Alumni
Feb 27, 2025 8:59:43 AM

Your program should automatically add the updates to your software.  The software you would download from the TurboTax website would include the latest updates.

 

@Ralphybow