How To Fix Runtime Error 1607

Error 1607 is an error that occurs on Windows XP and is shown when the user attempts to install software, and the installer encounters an error. The 1607 error is a runtime error, which indicates that the problem that causes it could be varied and caused by a large number of issues that occur when the program is running. Typical instances of this error occur when the installer simply quits and fails to show what

What causes Error 1607?

The error will appear in a dialog box whilst the program is installing:

“1607:Unable to install InstallShield Scripting Runtime”

This can be quite unnerving, however it is a routine problem that is usually caused by a series of system files not being registered on the system; or an older version of Windows Installer was used. However, other causes of this error include the likes of registry errors and virus infection. Follow the steps below to resolve this error:

Steps To Fix Error 1607

Step 1 – Re-register idriver And msiexec Files

A lack of registration of idriver and msiexec files often cause the 1607 error. Re-registering the files on your system can fix this issue and to do that, you can follow these steps:

1. Click Start > Run
2. Type: “C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\<version number>\Intel 32\IDriver.exe” /REGSERVER”
3. Click OK.
4. Click Start > Run
5. Type “C:\Windows\System32\msiexec.exe /REGSERVER”
6. Click OK.

Note: The <version number> is different on various computers. It corresponds to the version of the Installscript engine. To locate the version you have on your PC, just browse to the C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\ folder and see which folder has the Intel32 directory inside. This method should work however if the problem persists, proceed to step 2.

Step 2 – Reinstall the Installshield Script

Sometimes the Installshield (the installer program) may need it’s script reinstalled. Follow these steps to ensure it has been installed correctly:

1. Download the ISScript7.zip file. This can be found at this website
2. Extract the ISScript7.zip file.
3. Double-click the ISScript.msi file.

Then follow the steps on the setup. This should solve the error, however if the error is still present, go on to next step.

Step 3 – Allow Your Account Administrative Privileges

Administrator privileges are designed to protect your PC against harm from other users. They can, however, hinder your activities and often cause issues with the Windows installer. To allow admin privileges follow these steps:

1. Click Start > All Programs, hover over Accessories and click Windows Explorer.
2. Click on the Tools Menu > Folder Options
3. Click on the View Tab
4. Click Show Hidden Files and Folders
5. Click OK
6. Go to C:\Windows\Installer
7. Right click on the Installer folder and click Properties
8. Click on the Security tab
9. Click System and make sure that the full control box is ticked
10. Click Adminstrators and then verify full control box is ticked
11. Check your user name and verify that full control box is ticked

This force Windows Installer to start in admin mode with admin privileges, making sure that if it wanted to access any files that are hidden or protected then it can do so. If this does not fix the error, proceed to the next step.

Step 4 – Close other instances of Windows Installer

In some cases, two instances of Windows Installer can conflict and prevent the other from accessing any neccessary files. To prevent this follow these steps:

1. Right click the Taskbar and click Task Manager (Alternatively, you can hit Control Alt Delete)
2. Click the Processes tab
3. Click Msiexec.exe in the Processes list and click End Process (at the bottom)
4. Click Yes in the dialog box that appears (It is non critical)
5. If any other instances of Msiexec.exe are running then repeat steps 3 and 4 for each one
6. Close Task Manager and start installation procedure again

Running two instances of the same program can cause conflict as they try and use the same files. This is made impossible in Windows operating system to prevent crashes of the system. If this step did not help, go on to the next step.

Step 5 – Clean Out Viruses

– Use This Antivirus Program

Viruses are a big cause of the 1607 error, and are often the silent reason behind why many computers end up showing the error. The problem is that because viruses install themselves on your PC, they end up trying to use the same files and programs that your installer might want to change, resulting in a conflict that Windows is unable to fix or recover from. To make sure this is not a problem, it’s advised you clean out any “malware” that Windows might have inside, by using an antivirus program such as “XoftSpy“, but there are others available.

Step 6 – Clean Out The Registry

– Download This Registry Cleaner

The ‘registry’ is also a large cause of runtime errors, and especially the 1607 error. This part of your PC is a large database which stores information and settings for the system and all the software on your PC. Being one of the most important parts of your system, registry is used so frequently that your computer is often overwhelmed and confused about all the settings it has open from it. It’s often the case that Windows will save many registry settings in the wrong way, causing your computer to become damaged and corrupted as it’s unable to read the settings it requires to run. Understandably, this is a huge problem for the likes of Windows Installer because if this cannot read the files it needs, it will create a big problem for your PC. You can fix this by using a ‘registry cleaner’ to scan through your system, and you can see our recommended registry cleaner below: