Error 1603 when installing Novell Client for Windows/NMAS/NICI

  • 7015407
  • 22-Jul-2014
  • 22-Jul-2014

Environment

Windows 7
Novell Client 2 SP3 for Windows (IR8)

Situation

When attempting to install Novell Client 2 SP3 for Windows using the default hallway (NICI and NMAS are installed by default), the error appears:
 
There was an error installing Novell International Cryptographic Infrastructure (NICI). Error Code: 1603.
 
After the error is cleared, the installation fails.
 
 

Resolution

Correct the problem with the registry. This could be insufficient registry permissions, or general registry corruption.
 
Registry Permissions
 
Follow these steps:
 
WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows to correct.
1. Examine the C:\Program Data\Novell\Client\Log\NICIInst32 or NICIInst64 log file. (Note that the Program Data folder is hidden by default.) Look for an error 1402, such as in this example:
 
MSI (s) (7C:FC) [16:25:34:850]: Product: NICI U.S./Worldwide 2.77.3.0 (x32) -- Error 1402. Could not open key: UNKNOWN\Components\DA42BC89BF25F5BD0AF18C3B9B1A1EE8\00004109110000000000000000F01FEC.  System error 5.  Verify that you have sufficient access to that key, or contact your support personnel.
Error 1402. Could not open key: UNKNOWN\Components\DA42BC89BF25F5BD0AF18C3B9B1A1EE8\00004109110000000000000000F01FEC.  System error 5.  Verify that you have sufficient access to that key, or contact your support personnel.
 
Error 1402 is defined as a permissions problem. This error leads to the NICI error 1603 as displayed and recorded in the log, such as:
 
MSI (s) (7C:FC) [16:25:35:150]: Windows Installer installed the product. Product Name: NICI U.S./Worldwide 2.77.3.0 (x32). Product Version: 2.77.3.0. Product Language: 1033. Manufacturer: Novell, Inc.. Installation success or error status: 1603.
 
2. Note the registry subkey mentioned in the log. In the example above, it is Components\DA42BC89BF25F5BD0AF18C3B9B1A1EE8\00004109110000000000000000F01FEC.
 
3. Run regedit and navigate to the subkey identified in the log. This can usually be found under HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18. (The 'S-1-5-18' may vary.)
 
4. Right-click on the 'S-1-5-18' (or other, as configured) subkey and choose the "Permissions" option.
 
5. On the permissions screen, click the "Add" button and add the 'Administrator', 'Administrators', and 'System' accounts, if not already listed. After adding the users, return to the permissions screen.
 
6. Ensure that each of the users has the "Full Control" and "Read" permissions set to "Allow".
 
7. Click on the "Advanced" button and  open the "Permissions" tab. Ensure that the "Replace all child object permissions with inheritable permissions from this object" checkbox is checked. Click the "Apply" button.
 
8. Click on the "Owner" tab and highlight the 'Administrators' owner. Ensure that the "Replace owner on sub-containers and objects" checkbox is checked. Click the "Apply" button. Click the "OK" button.
 
Registry Corruption
 
Restore from a backup, or reinstall/reimage the workstation.

Cause

The NICI installer utilizes the Microsoft Windows Installer XML (WiX) toolset. At some point in the installation process, WiX tries to access the DA42BC89BF25F5BD0AF18C3B9B1A1EE8 GUID, and because the rights to this area are incorrectly set or corrupted, cannot.