The 1618 error generally shows when you try and install a program on a Windows computer using the “Windows Installer” application. The error is basically caused by the presence of more-than-one Windows Installer program, making it impossible for your computer to run at least one of the installers.
It can cause all sorts of problems, from not allowing you to install the program you want; but fortunately – it’s extremely easy to fix if you’re able to follow the various steps which will resolve the errors which cause it.
This error will generally show in these two variations:
- ERROR_INSTALL_ALREADY_RUNNING.
- Error 1618: Another installation is already in progress. Complete that installation before proceeding with this install.
- While installing Java on your Windows 10 computer you may face an error code 1618. Though this problem is prevalent with the Java installation case, some users also complained about a similar issue while installing Skype on their systems.
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The problem that causes the error is all down to the way in which Windows works. Each time you want to install a program on your PC, certain important processes are used which only one installer can utilize at a time; meaning that if you have more than one instance of Windows Installer open, it’s not going to work. Windows Installer can open from the likes of having automatic updates installing on your system, or from a previous install which did not occur.
The meaning of an exit value of 1618 of msiexec is ERRORINSTALLALREADYRUNNING. It’s one of the most common codes of Windows Installer (after 1603, of course). This happens if an installation started while another one was already running. It doesn’t affect the first one, but it won’t do anything.
The way to resolve error 1618 is quite simple. You first need to ensure that only once instance of Windows Installer is running, which can be done by press CTRL + ALT + DEL on your keyboard to load up the Task Manager. This will show you all the running processes & applications that are on your system, where you should be able to look through and remove the various versions of Windows Installer that might be operating.
This is vital for the integrity of your system, as having any more than one installer running at once will cause Windows to save many of its files in the wrong way, causing them to become damaged and unreadable.
It’s also recommended that you then use what’s known as a “registry cleaner” program to scan through your system and fix the various problems which could also lead to the 1618 error. The registry is a central database which stores all the files, settings & information which Windows requires to run, and is where the likes of your desktop wallpaper, latest emails and even your saved passwords are stored.
Because this database holds so many vital details for your PC, it’s actually one of the most important parts of the entire Windows system. But is also prone to a lot of problems which can cause Windows to slow down or stop working entirely.
You should fix this by using a ‘registry cleaner’ to scan through your PC and fix any potential errors inside the registry.
[KB5974] Install error 1618—'Installation has been interrupted'
Issue
- You receive the notification 'Installation has been interrupted' (Install error 1618) when installing your Windows ESET product
Details
You can verify whether a Windows installer service is running by looking in the Processes tab of the Task Manager. Many of these services are legitimate, such as an application upgrade from your web browser.
Solution
To resolve this installation issue, follow the instructions below starting with Solution I.
Solution I. Complete other Windows installations that are in progress
This error typically occurs when another Windows installation is trying to install or update on your computer. The other Windows installation may be active only in the background when the Windows Installer service continues to run as an active process.
- Click Close to end the ESET installation and to close the 'Installation has been interrupted' error window.
- Wait for the other Windows installations to complete on your system (such as Windows updates).
- Restart your ESET installation by double-clicking the installation package you downloaded previously.
If you continue to receive this installation error, continue to Solution II below.
Solution II. End other Windows installer tasks
- Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard and then click Task Manager or Start Task Manager (or right-click the task bar and click Start Task Manager).
- In the Processes tab (you may need to click More details), find all entries for 'Windows installer' or for Windows 8.1 and earlier, 'msiexec.exe.' Click each entry to select it and then click End Task or End Process.
Install Error Code 1618
Figure 1-1
- Restart your ESET installation by double-clicking the installation package you downloaded previously.
If you are still unable to resolve your issue, email ESET Technical Support.