I get error 2502 and 2503 while trying to install and uninstall programs

Question

Original title: Problems with installing and uninstalling.     

Recently, whenever I try to install or uninstall anything I get the errors 2503 and 2502. After I close both the errors the installer/uninstaller Immediately closes without modifying the chosen program in any way. what do the errors 2503 and 2502 mean, and how can I fix them?

Answer 1

Hi Chris,

We get these errors due to Windows installer service or due to improper permissions to the user or due to some registry issue.

Let us follow these methods and check.

Method 1:

I would suggest you to reregister the Installer service and check. Refer to these steps:

a. Press Windows key + X and select Command prompt (Admin).

b. Typemsiexec.exe /unregister, and then press ENTER.

c. Typemsiexec.exe /regserver, and then press ENTER.

d. Close the command prompt and now try installing the software.

Method 2:

I would suggest you to check for the permissions within the Installer folder.

Follow these steps to do so.

a.      Navigate to the location: C:\Windows.

b.      Right click on Installer and select Properties.

c.       Click on the Security tab and Verify if System and Administrator account has Full access permissions.

d.      The Everyone account should have read and execute permissions, List Folder Contents, and Read.

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Method 3:

I would suggest you to run the fix it for program installation. It will check for the registry fixes.

Fix problems with programs that can't be installed or uninstalled

http://support.microsoft.com/mats/Program\_Install\_and\_Uninstall

Note: First select Detects problems and Apply the fixes for me and then select Installing or uninstalling accordingly when it gives you a pop up. Now select the application you want to install or uninstall from the list and proceed.

Let us know about the status of the issue. We would be happy to help you further.

Answer 2

Run the Installer MSI/ EXE File as Administrator

The first possibility being the installer is running without administrative permissions. Log-on from the Administrator User Account and run the installer as an administrator. Please note that these steps will require you to log-off your computer. Hence print this article before you proceed.

• Save all your unsaved documents.
• Click the Start button.
• The Start Screen shall appear.
• Click the User Name or Avatar which appears on the top right corner of the Start Screen.
• Select the Log Off option.
• The system shall log-off. Please wait.
• Log-in to the Administrator User Account. You need to type the valid password, if any.
• Double click the My Computer desktop icon.
• Locate the directory where your installation files are stored. For example: G:\Oracle VM Virtual Box.
• Right click the installation file (.MSI or .EXE) and select Run as Administrator.

Check Folder Read/ Write Permissions

You might need to check the read/ write permissions of installer folders. Windows 8 Error 2503 appears when the file access is denied due to incorrect folder access permissions.

• Click the Start button.
• The Start Screen shall appear.
• Click to focus on the Search box on the right hand side.
• Type Control Panel in the Search box.
• Click the Apps icon.
• Click Control Panel from the Search Results.
• Control Panel shall open.
• Scroll it down till to click the More Settings option.
• Click Appearance and Personalization.
• Under Folder Options category, click Show Hidden Files and Folders.
• Folder Options dialog shall open.
• Under View tab, select the option Show Hidden Files, Folders and Drives.
• Uncheck the box labelled Hide protected operating system files.
• 14. Click Apply | OK.
• Double click My Computer icon on your Desktop.
• Open C:\Windows.
• Right click the Installer folder, select Properties.
• Click the Security tab.
• Select Administrators (\Administrators) under Group or User Names section.
• Click Edit button.
• Select the same option (Administrator) in the new dialog.
• Check-up the Allow checkbox next to Full Control option.
• Click OK | OK.
• Go to C:\Program Files.
• Right click the destination folder where you were trying to install the program and select Properties. For example: Oracle VM Virtual Box.
• In the same manner, provide read/ modify permissions.

This will solve the problem for sure

Answer 3

Sharing my method

You download the software. and then right click your mouse > select using system admin enforce the installation process. You won't see the error code .

Answer 4

I've attempted all of these steps and I'm still getting errors 2503 and 2502.  I'm on an administrator account.  Administrators and the system has full control on the windows installer folder.  I reregistered the installer service.  And I ran fix it (didn't find any problems and the program I was trying to install wasn't listed).

64-bit Windows 8.1

Any further advice would be helpful!

Answer 5

I have the same problem