Fix for Oracle XE 1608: unable to create InstallDriver instance, return code -2147221164

I got this annoying error when attempting to install Oracle XE:

1608: unable to create InstallDriver instance, return code -2147221164

The fix for this on my PC was:

  • Identify your TEMP folder – choose start -> run -> type “cmd”, then type “set temp” in the command window.
  • Navigate to this folder in windows. It may well be a hidden folder , so  select tools  -> folder options -> view -> show hidden files and folders.
  • Attempt to install OracleXE again – but this time leave the “1608: unable to create InstallDriver instance, return code -2147221164” error dialog box visible, do not close it by clicking ok. Closing the dialog box will delete the TEMP files which we need for the next step.
  • A new folder will have been created under the TEMP folder (press F5 to refresh if necessary). Copy this new folder and all its files to a new location.
  • Now it is safe to close the “1608: unable to create InstallDriver instance, return code -2147221164” error dialog box by clicking ok.
  • Locate file ISScript11.Msi in the newly copied folder.
  • Right click on file ISScript11.Msi and select “Uninstall”
  • Right click on file ISScript11.Msi and select “Install”
  • Now attempt to install OracleXE again – for me it now ran through to completion.
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6 Responses to Fix for Oracle XE 1608: unable to create InstallDriver instance, return code -2147221164

  1. Thanks. That worked for me, too.

  2. Eric Walker says:

    Thank you Andrew, this fix was spot on.

  3. Mandy says:

    This worked for me.This is great.

  4. Mohamed says:

    Had this same error but on a different application. This fix worked for me also. Great!

  5. Jason says:

    I tried this but it didn’t work for me, I copied the new folder that comes up in the temp folder but it is empty i don’t know what to do.

  6. Adex says:

    It didn’t work for me. I got the error “This action is only valid for products that are currently installed”

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