Can I safely delete files in C:\Windows\Installer?

No. The Windows\Installer folder contains cached MSI files needed for repairs, updates, and uninstallation. Deleting these files will break the ability to modify or remove installed software.

What is error code -2147287035?

This is the COM error code for STG_E_ACCESSDENIED (access denied to structured storage). It confirms the issue is a permission problem accessing the MSI database.

MSI Installer Error 2203 — Cannot Open Database File

Warninginstaller

Overview

Fix Windows Installer error 2203 occurring when MSI packages cannot access the installation database due to permission issues or corrupted temp directory.

Key Details

Error 2203 means the Windows Installer cannot open the MSI database file
Often shows: 'Database: C:\Windows\Installer\xxxxx.msi. Cannot open database file. System error -2147287035'
The SYSTEM account needs full access to the Temp folder and the MSI file location
This error can occur during both installation and uninstallation of programs
Corrupted Windows Installer cache can cause 2203 errors for previously installed software

Common Causes

Insufficient permissions on the Temp directory for the SYSTEM account
Temp folder path too long or containing special characters
Windows Installer service not running or misconfigured
Corrupted MSI file in the Windows\Installer cache directory

Steps

1Grant SYSTEM full control on Temp: right-click %TEMP% folder > Properties > Security > Add SYSTEM with Full Control
2Also grant SYSTEM full control on C:\Windows\Installer directory
3Set TMP and TEMP variables to a short path: setx TEMP C:\Temp and setx TMP C:\Temp
4Restart the Windows Installer service: services.msc > Windows Installer > Restart
5Run the installer as Administrator
6Re-register Windows Installer: msiexec /unregister then msiexec /regserver

More in Installer

windows-msi-error-1603Windows MSI Error 1603 — Fatal Error During Installation

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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Windows Installer runs as the SYSTEM account. It extracts and processes MSI files in the Temp directory. Without SYSTEM access to Temp, the installer cannot read its own temporary files.