Do not delete Files in “C:\Windows\installer” On SharePoint Servers!

Never delete the Install cache folder %windir%\installer to free up some disk space. This will cause serious problems during service pack upgrades! 

In one of my cases, It happened. The installer folder was deleted and when I tried installing Service pack 2, It scolded me with this error: “The detection failed, this can be due to a corrupted installation database.”

The detection failed, this can be due to a corrupted installation database

Workaround is: I copied the files inside Installer cache from other SharePoint server and ran the upgrade again. It worked!

Update: Found this article to collect the Install cache from other servers and update the failed server:
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/sharepointadmin/thread/cfa66cd3-2aa2-44ee-9393-ffae41d4f70c

Salaudeen Rajack

Salaudeen Rajack - Information Technology Expert with Two-decades of hands-on experience, specializing in SharePoint, PowerShell, Microsoft 365, and related products. He has held various positions including SharePoint Architect, Administrator, Developer and consultant, has helped many organizations to implement and optimize SharePoint solutions. Known for his deep technical expertise, He's passionate about sharing the knowledge and insights to help others, through the real-world articles!

One thought on “Do not delete Files in “C:\Windows\installer” On SharePoint Servers!

  • You can use the PowerShell script “Restore-InstallerFiles.ps1” which is capable to scan for the missing files, and to restore them from different sources such as local folder, shared folder or another machine which can be accessed from the target machine.

    https://ahmad.jempress.com/post/restore-the-missing-windows-installer-cache-files

    https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter/Restore-the-Missing-d11de3a1

    Reply

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