Getting C++ error when trying to install a program.

Question

Hi all,

I am trying to install some software for remote work. Every time it tries to extract and install vcredist_x64.exe, the installation errors out and gives me this error message:
"Error installing Microsoft Visual Studio C/C++ redistributable. The librairs being updated are still in use. Reboot your machine and rerun the installer with no other applications running. Canceling installation".
I have tried restarting, restarting in safe mode, uninstalling current versions of C++, installing a different version of the software, checking disc. Nothing seems to be working. It looks like the issue happens after it extracts vcredist_x64.exe. It gets to 100% but when it tries to execute, it errors out.

Processor Intel(R) Xeon(R) Gold 6226R CPU @ 2.90GHz 2.89 GHz (2 processors)

Installed RAM 96.0 GB (95.5 GB usable)

System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

Edition Windows 11 Pro for Workstations

Version 22H2

Installed on ‎1/‎12/‎2023

OS build 22621.3007

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22681.1000.0

Answer 1

Hi Jonathan,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I'm Hahn and I'm here to help you with your concern.

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing issues with installing the software. Based on the error message you provided, it seems that the libraries being updated are still in use. This could be caused by other applications running in the background that are using the same libraries.

I recommend trying a clean boot which starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It can be used to determine whether a background service or program is interfering or causing a problem. How to perform a clean boot in Windows - Microsoft Support

These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by-step.

Manually Install Visual C++ Redistributable: You can try downloading the Visual C++ Redistributable package directly from the Microsoft website and install it manually before running the main program installer. Make sure to download the version that matches the architecture of your system (x64 in your case). Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads | Microsoft Learn

If the issue persists, you can try running the installation as an administrator or disabling any antivirus software temporarily during the installation process.

Disclaimer: Temporarily turn off antivirus protection. However, keep in mind that if you do so, your device may be vulnerable to threats. So please turn it on immediately once issue fixed.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, there might be a more specific problem with the software or the installer itself. In that case, you may want to reach out to the software vendor's support for assistance or check their documentation for any known issues related to installation on Windows 11.

I hope this helps.  If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Your Sincerely

Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Thank you for this information.

I followed the steps to do a clean reboot but with no success. I also manually installed Visual C++ Redistributable package after previously uninstalling the existing ones previously. Still the same error. Also tried temporarily disabling antivirus software. We contacted the vendor but they suggested it was an issue with Microsoft.

Answer 3

Hi Jonathan,

If you've followed the steps provided and still encounter the issue, and the vendor suggests it's a Microsoft-related problem, you may want to consider the following additional steps:

1. Check Windows Installer Service: Ensure that the Windows Installer service is running. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Locate the "Windows Installer" service and make sure it is set to "Manual" or "Automatic" and is currently running.
2. Check Event Viewer for Specific Errors: Review the Windows Event Viewer logs again, specifically looking for errors related to the installation process. Note any error codes or messages that may provide more details about the failure.
3. Create a New User Account: Create a new user account with administrative privileges and try installing the software from that account. Sometimes, user profile corruption can lead to installation issues. Create a local user or administrator account in Windows - Microsoft Support 

I hope this helps.  If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Your Sincerely

Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 4

Did it help? I'm having same problems