How to fix “Invalid command line argument. Consult the Windows Installer SDK for detailed command line help. [ERROR_INVALID_COMMAND_LINE (0x667)]” – Error Code 1639


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Error Code 1639

Error code Error Code 1639 is a common Windows issue that typically arises from “Invalid command line argument. Consult the Windows Installer SDK for detailed command line help. [ERROR_INVALID_COMMAND_LINE (0x667)]”.

Overview

Error Code 1639, “Invalid command line argument. Consult the Windows Installer SDK for detailed command line help. [ERROR_INVALID_COMMAND_LINE (0x667)]”, indicates an issue with the command line arguments passed to the Windows Installer service. This error can disrupt system performance and software installations.

Identifying the Problem

Error Code 1639 typically occurs when:

  • Command line arguments contain invalid characters or syntax.
  • The target application is not compatible with the provided arguments.
  • System registry entries associated with the Windows Installer are corrupted.

Common Fixes

Method 1: Verify Command Line Arguments

  • Ensure that the command line arguments are correctly typed and adhere to the application’s syntax.
  • Remove any unnecessary spaces, special characters, or invalid arguments.

Method 2: Uninstall and Reinstall Application

  • Uninstall the application experiencing the error and delete any associated files and registry entries.
  • Download the latest version of the application and reinstall it.

Method 3: Repair Windows Installer

  • Run the Windows Installer Cleanup utility (msicuu2.exe) to repair corrupted registry entries.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Method 4: Edit System Registry

  • Open the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) as an administrator.
  • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MSIServer.
  • Change the value of the “ImagePath” registry key to point to the correct path for msiexec.exe.

Method 5: Clean Boot Windows

  • Perform a clean boot to eliminate potential software conflicts.
  • Disable all non-essential programs and services during startup.
  • Retry installing or running the application experiencing the error.

Conclusion

Resolving Error Code 1639 involves identifying the problem and applying the appropriate fix. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively resolve this error and restore system functionality.

To prevent future occurrences, ensure that:

  • Command line arguments are always validated before execution.
  • Applications are up-to-date and compatible with your system.
  • Your system is regularly maintained to prevent registry corruption.