can't install any nuget package in visual studio 2012. Error HRESULT E_FAIL has been returned from a call to a COM component

Question

In a solution in Visual studio 2012, I get Error HRESULT E_FAIL has been returned from a call to a COM component. every time I try to install any Nuget package. I created a new project and I can install packages without issues, so there must be something in the project/solution that is missing/corrupt/invalid I guess. How can I see what exactly is causing this error?

Answer 1

Delete the contents of your packages directory. Then update or re-install jQuery.

You may need to uninstall first using the -force flag.

Answer 2

The issue was that the solution was in Source control, and I had to 'check out' the project or the package installer would not have permission to update the files. So, after checking out the project I can install packages. Hope this helps someone in the future.

Answer 3

I got the same error message when using Visual Studio 2017. In my situation the problem was because someone had checked in the .vspscc and .vssscc files into TFS. Deleting these solved the problem

Answer 4

I was facing this issue because of Resharper Build & Run Module. Just disable the "Use ReSharper Build" option from ReSharper -> Options -> Tools -> Build -> General.