MsiApplyMultiplePatches returns error 1601

This article helps you resolve the 1601 error that occurs when the UI mode is set to Basic or None.

Original product version:   Windows
Original KB number:   2700568

Symptoms

MsiApplyMultiplePatches may result in the MainEngineThread returning and error of 1601 when the UI mode is set to Basic or None.

Example of log file showing the failure:

MSI (c) (28:E8) [10:30:06:121]: Client-side and UI is none or basic: Running entire install on the server.
MSI (c) (28:E8) [10:30:06:121]: Grabbed execution mutex.
MSI (c) (28:E8) [10:30:06:157]: Cloaking enabled.
MSI (c) (28:E8) [10:30:06:157]: Attempting to enable all disabled privileges before calling Install on Server.
MSI (c) (28:E8) [10:30:06:160]: Incrementing counter to disable shutdown. Counter after increment: 0.
MSI (c) (28:E8) [10:30:06:162]: Decrementing counter to disable shutdown. If counter >= 0, shutdown will be denied. Counter after decrement: -1.
MSI (c) (28:E8) [10:30:06:162]: MainEngineThread is returning 1601.

Cause

If you try and apply greater than 85 patches by using MsiApplyMultiplePatches, it will result in the failure.

Resolution

• Use multiple calls to MsiApplyMultiplePatches instead of one call with 85 or greater patches.
• Use minor update (service pack) to base line the product. A service pack will contain all updates up till that point in time. This reduces the number of patches that you would have to apply by using the MsiApplyMultiplePatches API.

More information

For more information about the MsiApplyMultiplePatches, see MsiApplyMultiplePatches function.