Microsoft Installer error 1606

Question

Getting this error when trying to down updates for Turbo Tax

Answer 1

Hi CJ,

Thanks for posting your question here. I understand that you're getting error 1606 when you're trying to update Turbo tax. This error means that Windows cannot access a required system folder. You may need to restore missing folder. Please do this:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Go to: C:\Users\<your-username>
3. Make sure these folders exist: Documents Desktop AppData
4. If Documents is missing:
   • Right‑click → New → Folder
   • Name it exactly: Documents
   Restart and retry the update.

Let me know if you have questions, I'm here to help.

Thanks,

Jobelle C.

Answer 2

Error 1606 is a Windows Installer error that typically indicates a problem accessing a folder path during installation or update.

For TurboTax specifically on Windows 11, the most relevant steps from the provided context are general Windows Installer and update repair actions:

1. Install all pending Windows Updates
   • Open Settings → Windows Update.
   • Click Check for updates and install everything offered.
   • Restart the PC and try the TurboTax update again.
   • A similar “installation in progress”/installer error with TurboTax was resolved after completing Windows 11 updates.
2. Repair Windows Installer–related corruption
   • Windows Installer errors such as 1603/1606 can be caused by MSI registration corruption.
   • Follow the guidance in the MSI repair article referenced for .NET Framework update failures (same installer technology): use the automated Fix-it from KB 971187 to repair MSI software update registration, then run Windows Update again and retry the TurboTax update.
3. If running in a virtualized or redirected-folder environment
   • If TurboTax or its prerequisites are being installed in a Windows VM on a Mac using Parallels, and the error mentions a \\.psf path, reinstall the Parallels Tools integration as described in the Visual Studio/Parallels article, then retry the TurboTax update.

If the error persists after Windows is fully updated and MSI registration is repaired, contact TurboTax/Intuit support, as the remaining issue may be specific to their installer package.

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References:

• When you try to install an update for the .NET Framework 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0, or 3.5, you may receive Windows Update error code "0x643" or Windows Installer error code "1603"
• Running Parallels on Mac may cause error 1606
• clear install in progress errors - cannot install Turbo Tax in Windows 11 - Microsoft Q&A