Why does this happen with Visual C++ Redistributable?

Usually because an older version is corrupted. Uninstall all VC++ versions, restart, then install the latest from Microsoft.

Can I fix this without the log file?

Enable verbose MSI logging: msiexec /i package.msi /l*v install.log — then check install.log for the failure point.

Windows MSI Error 1603 — Fatal Error During Installation

Errorinstaller

Overview

MSI installer error 1603 is a generic fatal error during installation, caused by insufficient permissions, disk space, running processes, or corrupted installer data.

Key Details

Error 1603 is the most common MSI installer failure code — a generic fatal error
The actual cause is logged in %TEMP%\MSI*.LOG files with detailed error info
Often occurs when installing Visual C++ Redistributables, .NET Framework, or Office
Custom actions in the MSI package can fail silently and trigger 1603
Windows Installer service (msiserver) must be running properly

Common Causes

Insufficient disk space on the installation target drive
Previous installation remnants blocking the new install
Required Windows service not running (msiserver, TrustedInstaller)
Antivirus blocking installer file operations
Short file name (8.3) creation disabled on the target volume

Steps

1Check MSI log: look in %TEMP% for the latest MSI*.LOG file and search for 'Return value 3'
2Ensure at least 10GB free space on C: drive
3Run installer as Administrator — right-click > Run as administrator
4Temporarily disable antivirus real-time protection during installation
5Use Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter to clean up failed installations

More in Installer

windows-msi-error-1618Windows MSI Error 1618 — Another Installation Already in Progress

Warning

windows-msi-error-1619Windows MSI Error 1619 — Installation Package Could Not Be Opened