Don’t Panic, Windows Installer Error 1722 is Nothing New

To you, 1722 probably is just a number. It doesn’t mean anything to if you have no idea what it means. However, since it’s a common, albeit minor issue that occurs in most versions of Windows, you might want to learn how to deal with it as soon as possible.

Software that Encounters Windows Installer Errors

Just about any software you use might trigger the 1722 error message. Usually, a prompt on your screen indicates that “there is a problem with this installer package” or a similar message. This can happen when you try to install Microsoft Office, the WSE Visual Studio, .NET add-ons, or Java. It also can occur when you try to put Adobe products on your computer, and it might even appear when trying to install sound editors.

Why does this Problem Occur?

This might happen for one of several reasons. For instance, you may have accidentally downloaded the wrong set of program files for your operating system. For instance, maybe you found one for a MAC that you mistakenly thought was for Windows, or perhaps you obtained one for Windows XP that’s really for Windows 7.

If you are having a Windows 8 problem, it might mean that the software was really meant for an older OS. Just double-check your system requirements before you attempt any other action. Then, acquire the right software if the one you originally tried to install was not the right one.

In any case, Error 1722 can also mean you have invalid registry entries stored in your system file library. Otherwise, maybe another program that’s similar to the one you’re trying to install now is conflicting with it. On the other hand, it could also be because you didn’t verify the publisher of the files you downloaded. If not, there’s a chance it contains a virus or other form of malware.

What can be done about it?

It’s frustrating when you want to use a program and no matter how hard you try, you can’t install it. You can try a few different troubleshooting steps.

For instance, do this and see what happens:

• Turn your computer off and then back on again. This might reset your registry enough before you try to put a program you want to use on your computer. It works about half the time, and then you sometimes have to take additional steps to figure out what’s wrong.
• Scan your machine for viruses, backdoors, Trojans and other malware. This can speed up PC performance as well as restore some of your program files. It also can clear out infections to make room for legitimate entries to run your useful applications.
• Check system requirements for the software, if you haven’t yet. Even if you had checked, it never hurts to check a second or third time just to make sure. Otherwise, you’re wasting your time trying to use software that just won’t work on your machine.
• Find out if the program is already running via the “processes” tab on your Task Manager. Press “Ctrl+Alt+Del” on your keyboard to pull up your Task Manager. Look on the “Applications” tab and press the “end task” button if you see the software listed. Otherwise, go to the “processes” tab and find any related listings for an application you’re trying to install. Press “end process” to stop that particular software process from running.

• Use System Restore. Search for this on your computer and find out if you can restore your computer to an earlier date and time when it worked well. Nowadays, you can choose the automatic points already made by Windows. You can also pick one you’ve stored for a “rainy day” like today when your computer’s not working the best. It sometimes works, but other times it might not change anything.
• Scan your computer with a registry cleaner. This will correct any issues with corrupt .dll files and programs or shortcuts you frequently use. It will also assist with putting segments of folders back together after they’ve been scattered all over your hard drive. This, along with using your disk clean up or defragmentation (a.k.a. drive optimization) tools, does wonders.

Automatic Versus Manual Registry Cleaning

Advanced computer geeks often prefer to do things the hard way, but only because they can. They often enter a system library and check the folders they know might have missing or corrupt files. Then, they find replacement ones for them and store them in the same spot in the program or system folders.

However, unless you absolutely know what you’re doing, it’s better to try an automated registry cleaner. For instance, you can download and install PC HealthBoost and it will work for you in minutes.