TechTips - Windows Vista Error Code 643 Problem with .NET 1.1

I was so sick of Vista I upgraded to Windows 7 as soon as I possibly could (the day it came out) and have been pretty happy so far. I have friends and family who refuse to shell out the money even though I keep telling them that it is worth it not to have the headaches caused by Vista. Well they won't listen and I have had to learn how to fix yet another Vista issue, this time Error Code 643 which is a problem with the .NET 1.1 security update not installing and giving the error code 643. This one isn't that hard to fix if you have the right tools and know where to get it.

So first let's talk about what is causing this issue and if Microsoft even cares that anyone is affected by it. Basically this error is when the "Security Update for Microsoft.NET Framework, version 1.1 Service Pack" fails to install on a user's computer. The problem is that Vista isn't compatible with .NET 1.1. So you might be thinking then why the heck is it on my PC? Well most users who I have found have this issue have done an upgrade from XP to Vista. XP uses the .NET 1.1 framework and when you do an upgrade for some reason or another some of the .NET 1.1 is left over in either the registry or in Windows itself.

I have read in several places that .NET 1.1 isn't needed by Vista and isn't compatible. I find hard to believe because Microsoft offers this download, which states compatibility with Windows Vista. So I don't think that it's an issue with .NET not being compatible with Vista, I think it's more of an issue that the XP version of .NET 1.1 isn't compatible with Vista. Whatever the case may be the error code is coming up for some reason and we need to get rid of it, so there are many things we need to try to correct the issue.

First thing I tried was a repair on the .NET 1.1 framework via the Add Remove Programs. Follow these steps:

1. Click Start

2. Click Control Panel

3. Switch to classic view in upper left hand corner

4. Double Click Programs and Features

5. Find Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 and highlight it

6. At the top choose Uninstall/Change

7. Click the radio button labeled Repair (it is clicked by default)

8. Click Next

9. Let the repair run

10. Reboot

11. Re-run the update

12. If it fails try the next fix, if it works then you are done

If that doesn't work then you should try to uninstall the .NET 1.1 Framework. Complete these steps:

1. Click Start

2. Click Control Panel

3. Switch to classic view in upper left hand corner

4. Double Click Programs and Features

5. Find Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 and highlight it

6. At the top choose Uninstall/Change

7. Click the radio button labeled Uninstall

8. Click Next

9. Let it uninstall

10. Reboot

11. Go here and download and install the .NET 1.1 (if you have 64-bit find the 64-bit version)

12. After install reboot

13. Test the update

14. If it works you are done if not go to the next fix

If the two above options didn't correct the problem then I suggest downloading the Windows installer cleanup utility and using it to uninstall the .NET 1.1 Framework (this should remove it completely from your system, where sometimes Add/Remove programs leaves some residual files, folders, or registry entries). You can download it here Windows Installer Cleanup Utility, install the tool and run it. Then follow these steps:

1. Once the tool opens you will see all your programs listed, find the .NET 1.1 and click on it

2. Click the Remove Button

3. Remove any other instances of .NET if they are causing problems

4. Once it is gone click Exit

5. Reboot

6. Go here and download and install the .NET 1.1 (if you have 64-bit find the 64-bit version)

7. After install reboot

8. Test the update now

I have also read on this Forum that a lot of people are having success using this .NET 1.1 Cleanup Tool Download it and do the following:

1. Unzip the program

2. Run the install

3. After install run the program

4. Select Remove .NET framework 1.1 in the dropdown list

5. After it removes the program reboot

6. Go here and download and install the .NET 1.1 (if you have 64-bit find the 64-bit version)

7. After install reboot

8. Test the update now

I hope one of these possible solutions fixed this common issue. For me it took using the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility, rebooting, reinstalling the .NET 1.1, rebooting and then finally patching the .NET 1.1 with the update. It was a pain but I am finally past the Vista Error Code 643. I hope one of these solutions works for you; I know how annoying this error can be!

Sources

KB929729 .NET FrameWork 1.1 fails to update "http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/netfxsetup/thread/73550c84-bda8-46b6-9754-0f37824d1af4" Microsoft

.Net Framework Version 1.1 Redistributable Package "http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=262D25E3-F589-4842-8157-034D1E7CF3A3&displaylang=en#Requirements" Microsoft

Windows Installer CleanUp Utility "http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301" Microsoft