Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling: Well, if you are getting error 2502/2503 internal error when trying to install a new program or uninstalling an existing program then you are at the right place as today we are going to discuss how to resolve this error. The error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling a program seems to be caused because of permissions issue with the Temp folder of Windows which can be usually found in C:\Windows\Temp.

These are the error you may encounter while installing or uninstalling a program:

The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package. This may indicate a problem with this package. The error code is 2503.
The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package. This may indicate a problem with this package. The error code is 2502.
Called RunScript when not marked in progress
Called InstallFinalize when no install in progress.

While the issue is not limited to this cause as sometimes virus or malware, incorrect registry, corrupt Windows Installer, incompatible 3rd party programs etc can also cause the error 2502/2503. So without wasting any time let’s see how to actually Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling a program in Windows 10 with the help of below-listed troubleshooting guide.

Table of Contents

Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling
Method 1: Re-register Windows Installer
Method 2: Run CCleaner and Malwarebytes
Method 3: Run Installer with Admin rights using Command Prompt
Method 4: Run Explorer.exe with administrative privileges
Method 5: Set correct permissions for Windows Installer Folder
Method 6: Set Correct Permissions for Temp Folder
Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling
Make sure to create a restore point just in case something goes wrong.
Pro Tip: Try to run the application by right-clicking and then select Run as Administrator.

Method 1: Re-register Windows Installer

1.Press Windows Key + R then type the following and hit Enter: msiexec / unreg

2.Now again open the run dialog box and type msiexec / regserver and hit Enter.

3.This would re-register the Windows Installer. Reboot your PC to save changes.

Method 2: Run CCleaner and Malwarebytes

Perform a Full antivirus scan to make sure your computer is secure. In addition to this run CCleaner and Malwarebytes Anti-malware.
1.Download and install CCleaner & Malwarebytes.
2.Run Malwarebytes and let it scan your system for harmful files.
3.If malware is found it will automatically remove them.
4.Now run CCleaner and in the “Cleaner” section, under the Windows tab, we suggest checking the following selections to be cleaned:

5.Once you’ve made certain the proper points are checked, simply click Run Cleaner, and let CCleaner run its course.
6.To clean your system further select the Registry tab and ensure the following are checked:

7.Select Scan for Issue and allow CCleaner to scan, then click Fix Selected Issues.
8.When CCleaner asks “Do you want backup changes to the registry?” select Yes.
9.Once your backup has completed, select Fix All Selected Issues.
10.Restart your PC to save changes and this should Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling a program.

Method 3: Run Installer with Admin rights using Command Prompt

1.Open File Explorer then click View > Options and make sure to check “Show hidden files, folders, and drivers.” Again in the same window uncheck “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).“

2.Click Apply followed by OK.
3.Press Windows Key + R then type the following and press Enter:
C:\Windows\Installer
4.Right click in an empty area and select View > Details.

5.Now right click on the column bar where Name, Type, Size etc is written and select More.

6.From the list check mark subject and click OK.

7.Now find the correct program which you want to install from the list.

8.Press Windows Key + X then select Command Prompt (Admin).
9.Now type the following and hit Enter:
C:\Windows\Installer\Program.msi

Note: Instead of the program.msi type the name of the .msi file causing the problem and if the file is located in Temp folder then you would type it’s path and press Enter.
10.This would run the installer with administrative rights and you would not face the Error 2502/2503.
11.Reboot your PC to save changes and this should Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling a program.

Method 4: Run Explorer.exe with administrative privileges

1.Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together to open Task Manager.
2.Find Explorer.exe then right-click on it and select End Task.

3.Now click on File > Run new task and type Explorer.exe.

4.Check mark Create this task with administrative privileges and click OK.

5.Again try to install/uninstall the program which was earlier giving the error 2502 and 2503.

Method 5: Set correct permissions for Windows Installer Folder

1.Open File Explorer then click View > Options and make sure to check “Show hidden files, folders, and drivers.” Again in the same window uncheck “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).“

2.Click Apply followed by OK.
3.Now navigate to the following path: C:\Windows
4.Look for Installer folder then right-click on it and select Properties.
5.Switch to Security tab and click Edit under Permissions.

6.Next, make sure Full Control is checked for System and Administrators.

7.If not then select them one by one under group or user names then under permissions check mark Full Control.
8.Click Apply followed by OK.
9.Reboot your PC to save changes.
This should Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling a program but if you’re still stuck then follow the steps listed under method 6 for Windows Installer folder also.

Method 6: Set Correct Permissions for Temp Folder

1.Navigate to the following folder in File Explorer: C:\Windows\Temp
2.Right-click on Temp folder and select Properties.
3.Switch to Security tab and then click Advanced.

4.Click Add button and the Permission Entry window will appear.
5.Now click “Select a principal” and type in your user account.

6.If you don’t know your user account name then click Advanced.

7.In the new window that opens click Find now.

8.Select your user account from the list and then click OK.
9.Optionally, to change the owner of all sub folders and files inside the folder, select the check box “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects” in the Advanced Security Settings window. Click OK to change the ownership.

10.Now you need to provide full access to the file or folder for your account. Right-click the file or folder again, click Properties, click the Security tab and then click Advanced.
11.Click the Add button. The “Permission Entry” window will appear on the screen.

12.Click “Select a principal” and select your account.

13.Set permissions to “Full control” and Click OK.

14.Repeat the above steps for the built-in Administrators group.
15.Reboot your PC to save changes.

That’s it you have successfully Fix Error 2502 and 2503 while installing or uninstalling a program in Windows 10 but if you still have any questions regarding this post then feel free to ask them in the comment’s section.