ERROR: 'Error 1603: Fatal error during installation'

Why this error occurs in Sage 50 Accounts and Sage 50 Payroll, and how to resolve it.

When installing your Sage software, this message can appear.

It occurs when you don't have the correct Windows user permissions to access the areas affected by the installation.

After each step, try the installation again. You can Download your software from My Sage manually and install using the downloaded file.

Upgrading an existing Accounts installation

If you're seeing this message when installing an update to your Sage 50 Accounts software, stop and restart the data services. 

If the issue persists, follow the install directly from the installation files section.

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Install directly from the installation files 

You can install Sage 50 Accounts directly from the installation files.

If the issue persists, follow the check your system information section.

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Check your system information

Sage 50 software isn't compatible with computers using an ARM-based processor. Error 1603 occurs if you try to install on one. To find out more, visit the using ARM-based devices article. 

If your system doesn't use an ARM-based processor, check whether the system information is blank. To do this, follow the check the Windows System Information app section in the Sage Accounts hangs or closes on the opening splash window article.

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Log into Windows as a user with full administrator privileges

1. Press and hold the Windows key and press R.
2. In the Open box, type Control Panel then click OK.
3. From the View by dropdown list, select Large icons.
4. Select User Accounts, then Manage User Accounts.

If Administrators display in the Group column for your user name, it means you have administrative privileges.

If you don't have administrator access, ask your network administrator or IT support to give you administrator privileges.

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Windows updates

If the issue persists, check for windows for any updates. 

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