Getting an error "There is a problem with this Windows Installer package. A DLL required for this install to complete could not be run" while installing .msi files

Question

* Original Title: Can't Run MSI Installers By Double-Clicking (Missing DLL)

Hello All,

I am running Windows 8.1 with an account that has Administrator privileges and I can't run installer (.msi) files unless I do it from a Command Prompt that is run with Administrator privileges.

To demonstrate, first I check my account to make sure I am indeed an administrator:

As you can see I am running a local account with administrator rights.

When I double click the MSI installer I get the following error message:

As you can see it says there is a problem with the installer package and that a required DLL is missing.

I figured out a way to get it to work by running the MSI from a Command Prompt with Administrator privileges. 

First, I create a Command Prompt shortcut (cmd.exe) on my desktop then I right-click it and select Run as administrator:

I then browse to the location of the MSI file and run it from there and I no longer get the DLL error message (the installation starts);

I can run installers that have a .exe extension. I only see this problem with installers that have the .msi extension.

Does anyone know why I can't double-click/run MSI installers on my machine?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

This issue could be due to permissions on the .MSI files.

I would suggest you to right click on the MSI file and select run as administrator and check if it helps.

You may also refer to the section “Issue 1: I get an "Access Denied" error message when accessing or working with files and folders” from the following link and take ownership of the files and see if it fixes the issue.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2623670/en-us#method11

Keep us posted on the status of the issue.

Answer 2

I would suggest you to right click on the MSI file and select run as administrator and check if it helps.

When I right-click any MSI file run as administrator is not an option. Only on EXE files.

Answer 3

When I right-click any MSI file run as administrator is not an option. Only on EXE files.

It is by design like that.. but double click should work if it is an admin account or if it is not admin prompt should be prompted.. check the permissions of msi file you are trying to install.. 

Learn How to Take or Assign Ownership of Files and Folders 

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/ff404240.aspxFile and Folder Permissionshttp://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/ff404240.aspx[http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727008.aspx](http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727008.aspx)