How do I fix Microsoft Installer Error 1603?

[SForrestLO]

Please see this Turbo Tax help article for assistance with this error. 
Error 1603: "A fatal error occurred during installation or updating"

@balerm

[rwsulli74]

I too had the exact same error and situation. I also like to keep my OS drive as sparce as can be, and always install software in a second D: drive, which has full admin rights. After deleting my first installation and reinstalling with the default C: drive location, everything worked as it should, including the updates.

Bottom line is that TT should make that very plain during the installation process that installing anywhere other than the default location can and will create problems.

[CarissaM]

We are happy to hear this worked for you. Please let us know if we can assist you further. @rwsulli74 

[lakebluffmoe1]

I've downloaded the patch and TurboTax says it was updated.  But when I sign on again I get the same messages.

[MoniqueLO_]

Please feel free to contact Customer Support so you can speak with a TurboTax representative who can assist you. 

@lakebluffmoe1 
 

[dillygafjim]

I having same problem as others. I succesfully downloaded the update manuallybut When i try to TurboTax I get the "update message and the error.

[SForrestLO]

Please see this Turbo Tax help article for assistance with this error. 
Error 1603: "A fatal error occurred during installation or updating"
@dillygafjim

[MaxJamison]

I am getting the same error as last year when I try to file my taxes after installing the manual update.  I temporarily disabled my internet security, but it didn't help.

[HeatherPLO]

Please see our Help Article to assist with this error code.  If you are still unable to complete the installation, please reach out to us directly using the Help Article here.  This ensures you will get to the correct department as quickly as possible.  

@MaxJamison 

[bklen]

I had a similar problem last year.  Mine was a simple user error on the install page.  It wasn't as I expected and when I read it all again, it worked.  Your problem may be more complicated.  I was embarrassed!

[DaveInSunnyvale]

HERE IS WHAT WORKED FOR ME. (This problem happened on one of my (Windows10) PC's but not the other.)

I ran a free program that repaired the permissions on my Program Files directories and Registry. The program is from Tweaking.com, the Windows Repair program (free). There a great youtube that explains how to run it. (Hint: You are looking for the "Presets: Permission Only" button.) Run it using the default settings, reboot, and (for me) the "Error 1603" installation problem stopped.

That might be enough. For me, after the above, I was worried that my original install might be messed up, so I...

• Uninstalled TurboTax2022
• Installed it again as Administrator (right-click on the install file and select "run as administrator")
• Ran TurboTax itself as Administrator (right-click, "run as administrator").

The initial update ran successfully, and after that, TurboTax ran perfectly every time.

I did not need to bring up SafeMode, turn off my virus software, etc.

(I then uninstalled Windows Repair - I no longer needed it.)

I hope this helps others.

[JK661]

I NEED SOMEONE TO WALK ME THROUGH CORRECTING AN INSTALLER ERROR 1603

[MichelleLO]

Please see the TurboTax FAQ Error 1603: "A fatal error occurred during installation or updating" for assistance with fixing your install error. 

If the issue still persists, please reach out to TurboTax customer support: What is the TurboTax phone number?

@JK661 

[DaveInSunnyvale]

Thank you, MichelleLO.

FYI I tried both of the suggestions on that article first - neither suggestion worked.

Downloading and running the Turbotax manual update also gave ERROR 1603.

That is why I posted my solution, which did work.

[NCCC]

Good Solution.

Tried "manual download of TurboTax updates - did not work

Tried to edit TurboTax Program Files "Allow" in all associated sub-files - did not work

Finally uninstalled _ reboot _ reinstalled TurboTax:

All prior data was correct after through check

Filed Federal and State