Error 1601: "Windows Installer is not accessible"

You may receive the following message when installing or updating TurboTax Desktop:

Error 1601: Windows Installer is not accessible.

This error can occur if the computer was not restarted after installing or updating files, or if the Windows Installer is disabled or damaged.

Try the following solutions, in the order listed, until the error goes away.

1. Restart your computer and then install or update TurboTax again.
2. Change the Windows Installer properties:
   • On the Windows taskbar, select Start, then choose Control Panel.
   • Open Administrative Tools and then Services.
   • Locate and open the Windows Installer service.
   • Verify that the startup type is manual and the service status is stopped. Then install or update TurboTax.
     
3. Download Windows Installer and install or update again.
4. Follow these steps from Microsoft.