1. Verify and Recreate User Folder Path
- Open File Explorer
- Navigate to:
- C:\Users\[YourUserName]\
- Ensure AppData, Documents, and other system folders are present
- If any essential folder is missing, recreate it manually or restore from backup
2. Run the Office/Windows Installer as Administrator
- Right-click the Office setup file or Windows installer
- Choose Run as administrator
- Proceed with installation and check if error persists
This resolves most permission-related issues.
3. Check and Reset Environment Variables
- Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, press Enter
- Go to Advanced tab → Environment Variables
- Check that:
- TEMP and TMP variables point to existing directories like:
- C:\Users\[YourUserName]\AppData\Local\Temp
- If incorrect or missing, correct them and restart the system
4. Create a New User Profile
- Open Settings → Accounts → Family & Other Users
- Click Add someone else to this PC
- Create a local admin account
- Log in to the new profile and try installation again
This isolates the issue from a corrupt user profile.
5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Endpoint Protection
- Disable any third-party antivirus or security software
- Retry installation of Office or Windows update
Be sure to re-enable security software after completing setup.
6. Use System File Checker (SFC) to Repair File System
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Run:
- sfc /scannow
- Let the scan complete and repair any integrity issues
- Restart and retry installation
7. Clean Boot Windows
- Press Win + R, type msconfig, press Enter
- Under Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, click Disable all
- Under Startup tab, open Task Manager and disable all startup items
- Restart and retry the installation process
This ensures no background service is interfering.
8. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter (If error occurs during update)
- Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
- Click Windows Update → Run
- Apply any recommended fixes and retry update