Alex Ruben
Fix “Can’t Create Files” Error in Windows Installation Assistant
This guide provides step-by-step instructions to resolve the “Can’t create files” error that may occur when using the Windows Installation Assistant. By following the outlined steps, users will learn how to reset Windows Update components and re-register essential system files, ultimately restoring functionality to the installation process.
Step 1: Stop Windows Update Services
Begin by stopping the necessary Windows Update services to reset the components effectively. Open an elevated Command Prompt and execute the following commands:
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc
Step 2: Delete Temporary Files
Next, remove the temporary files related to Windows Update. In the Command Prompt, type the following commands to delete excess files:
Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*"
Step 3: Clear Software Distribution Folder
This step involves removing the Software Distribution folder, which often stores corrupted files hindering updates. Enter the following commands:
rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
Step 4: Set Service Permissions
Adjust the service permissions for Background Intelligent Transfer Service and Windows Update Service using these commands:
sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
Step 5: Re-register DLL Files
Many errors can stem from unregistered DLL files. Run the following commands to re-register essential DLLs:
cd /d %windir%\system32
regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
regsvr32.exe /s shdocvw.dll
regsvr32.exe /s browseui.dll
regsvr32.exe /s jscript.dll
regsvr32.exe /s vbscript.dll
regsvr32.exe /s scrrun.dll
regsvr32.exe /s msxml.dll
regsvr32.exe /s msxml3.dll
regsvr32.exe /s msxml6.dll
regsvr32.exe /s actxprxy.dll
regsvr32.exe /s softpub.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wintrust.dll
regsvr32.exe /s dssenh.dll
regsvr32.exe /s rsaenh.dll
regsvr32.exe /s gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32.exe /s sccbase.dll
regsvr32.exe /s slbcsp.dll
regsvr32.exe /s cryptdlg.dll
regsvr32.exe /s oleaut32.dll
regsvr32.exe /s ole32.dll
regsvr32.exe /s shell32.dll
regsvr32.exe /s initpki.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuapi.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng1.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wucltui.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wups.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wups2.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuweb.dll
regsvr32.exe /s qmgr.dll
regsvr32.exe /s qmgrprxy.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wucltux.dll
regsvr32.exe /s muweb.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuwebv.dll
Step 6: Reset Winsock and Start Services
Finally, reset Winsock and restart the services previously stopped:
netsh winsock reset
netsh winsock reset proxy
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start appidsvc
net start cryptsvc
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Ensure you run the Command Prompt as an administrator for all commands to execute successfully. Common mistakes include not stopping the services before clearing folders, which may result in file access errors. Follow these steps exactly to avoid problems.
It is recommended to restart your computer after performing these actions to ensure that changes take effect.
Conclusion
Following the steps in this guide should resolve the “Can’t create files” error in the Windows Installation Assistant, allowing you to proceed with the installation process. For further help, consider checking other related guides on Windows troubleshooting or reach out to community forums for additional support.
