How to fix “Another version of this product is already installed. Installation of this version cannot continue. To configure or remove the existing version of this product use Add/Remove Programs on the Control Panel. [ERROR_PRODUCT_VERSION (0x666)]” – Error Code 1638

Overview

In this article, we’ll focus on resolving the issue described as: “Another version of this product is already installed. Installation of this version cannot continue. To configure or remove the existing version of this product use Add/Remove Programs on the Control Panel. [ERROR_PRODUCT_VERSION (0x666)]”. This error, identified by the error code Error Code 1638, can impede your system’s performance, and here’s how you can fix it.

Identifying the Problem

Error Code 1638 arises when an attempt is made to install a program or software that’s already installed on the system. It typically occurs when there’s a conflict between the existing version and the one being installed, leading to installation failure.

Common Fixes

Fix 1: Verify Installed Programs

• Navigate to the Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
• Check if the conflicting program is listed.
• If found, uninstall the existing program before attempting to install the new version.

Fix 2: Use the Uninstall Tool from the Manufacturer

• Visit the manufacturer’s website and download a specialized uninstall tool for the program.
• Run the tool to remove all traces of the program from your system, including its registry entries.

Fix 3: Utilize Command Prompt

• Open Command Prompt (cmd) as an administrator.
• Navigate to the program’s installation directory using the “cd” command.
• Run the following command: “msiexec /x {ProductCode}”, replacing {ProductCode} with the program’s product code, which can be found in the program’s properties in Programs and Features.

Fix 4: Disable Antivirus Software

• Temporarily disable your antivirus software.
• Attempt to install the program again.
• Re-enable your antivirus software after successful installation.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Fix 5: Edit the Registry

• Open Registry Editor (regedit) as an administrator.
• Navigate to: “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\”
• Find the subkey for the conflicting program and delete it.
• Reinstall the program.

Fix 6: System Restore

• Create a system restore point before attempting this step.
• Go to Control Panel > System > System Protection > System Restore.
• Select a restore point from before the error occurred.
• Restore your system to that point.

Conclusion

Error Code 1638 can be resolved by following the provided fixes. In most cases, verifying installed programs, using the manufacturer’s uninstall tool, or disabling antivirus software should suffice. If these don’t resolve the issue, advanced troubleshooting methods may be necessary. Regular maintenance, including software updates and scans for malware, helps prevent this error in the future.