CustomAction <action_name> returned actual error code 1603 in installshield

Question

I'm using using Basic MSI to install my application.

I'm getting Error 1001 during installation and roll back action takes place. I've noticed in the installation log that I get this error:

"CustomAction returned actual error code 1603. Action ended InstallFinalize. Return value 3.

Custom Action dll is a .NET Installer Class and the property is set to True.

Does anyone have an idea what could be the problem?

Answer 1

Your installation project includes a component with .NET Installer Class set to Yes. Using this option is an anti-pattern, as it can result in modal UI even in silent installations, and often tells you only "Error 1001". You can either look for the component with this setting, or take a verbose log and look for information shortly before the first or only return value 3.

Answer 2

Error code 1603 is a Windows installer's generic error code when custom action throws any error/exception. Windows installer does not show actual error/exception in installer logs. To verify actual error/exception we have to debug the custom action.

Please verify if custom action is throwing any error/exception.

Answer 3

A verified solution:

Error 1001 is due to a .Net framework mismatch. InstallShield uses RegAsm.exe and InstallUtilLib.dll to compile the installer, and these must match your application's target framework, and the target computer must also have it:

Error 1001 reason and solution discussed here

Open Installshield IDE -> Go to Tools menu -> Options and check the following settings as shown in the above screenshot: