PDF Creator Free Failed to Install a New Version

PDFCreator PDFCreator English
1

Hi , there!
After starting installing a new Version 6.2.1., I get a message that something go wrong and code MSI error1603. Also, can`t uninstall an old version. What is wrong?

1 Like
2

Step 1: Stop Conflicting Processes

  1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).

  2. Go to the Details tab.

  3. Look for and End Task on the following processes if they are running:

  • architect.exe

  • pdfarchitect.exe

  • ibservice.exe

  • pdfcreator.exe

Step 2: Clear the "Stuck" License Key (Registry)

The 1603 error often happens when the installer tries to write a license key but gets blocked.

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\pdfforge\PDFCreator

  3. If you see a folder named License , right-click it and Delete it.

Step 3: The "Clean" Re-install Sequence

Since the uninstaller is broken, you must follow this order to release the locks:

  1. Uninstall PDF Architect: Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features and uninstall PDF Architect 9 (or whichever version you have). This is crucial as it owns the locked files.

  2. Restart your Computer: You must restart now. This forces Windows to release any remaining file locks.

  3. Install PDFCreator: After the restart, run the PDFCreator 6.2.1 installer immediately. It should now proceed without the 1603 error.

Note: If you need PDF Architect, you can reinstall it after PDFCreator is successfully installed