Microsoft KB Archive/297103

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PRB: Changing Source Causes Error 1706

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Q297103

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Windows Installer, versions 1.0, 1.1, 1.2

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SYMPTOMS
When you are trying to access a Windows Installer Package (.msi) for an existing installed application you may receive the following error message:

1706. No valid source could be found for product [product name].

CAUSE
This will occur if the original installation source was uncompressed and the current source is compressed or vise versa. For example, if an administrator uses a package that has a word count summary property of 2 or 3 to perform an administrative installation, users that initially installed from the administrative image cannot then reinstall from the original media source.

STATUS
This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION
The word count summary property is a value that describes the type of source file image. This value is a type bit field type and it can have a value from 0 to 5. For additional information, see &quot;word count summary property&quot; in Windows Installer Help. Note that type 2 and 3 specify that the source files are in a compressed format (cabinet files):

Property value

Type of source file image

0

Original source using long file names. Matches tree in directory table.

1

Original source using short file names. Matches tree in directory table.

2

Compressed source files using long file names. Matches cabinets and files in the media table.

3

Compressed source files using short file names. Matches cabinets and files in the media table.

4

Administrative image using long file names. Matches tree in directory table.

5

Administrative image using short file names. Matches tree in directory table.

When the administrative image is created, the file and folder structures are uncompressed. A user can then install from this location and proceed with maintenance mode activities (repair/reinstall) without errors. If for some reason the administrative installation point becomes unavailable and the user tries to revert back to the original compressed installation media, the user will encounter the error message:

1706. No valid source could be found for product [product name].

This error occurs because the original installation location did not have any compressed files. When the administrative image becomes unavailable and the user points back to the original media, the Installer does not expect to encounter compressed files and therefore returns error 1706.

NOTE: If an installation is from a compressed source such as a CD-ROM, then the repair source should be of the same source type, compressed. Likewise, if the installation is from a noncompressed source, then the repair should be from the same source type, noncompressed.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior
The following is one way to reproduce the problem:


 * 1) Create an .msi package that includes compressed source files.
 * 2) Create an administrative image of this .msi package. (The command line syntax is: msiexec /a '[name of .msi package]').
 * 3) Install the package from the administrative image.
 * 4) Delete the administrative image.
 * 5) Repair the installed .msi file and use the original compressed source. (The command line syntax is: msiexec /f [name of .msi package]. The repair installation could be also done through the Add/Remove utility in Control Panel).