When I try to install Internet Explorer (IE) 5.0, why do I get an error message?

John Savill

April 16, 2001

1 Min Read
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A. When you try to install IE 5.0, you might receive the following error message:

Windows Update SetupA previous program installation was never completed. You need to restart your computer to complete that installation before running Internet Explorer Setup. Setup will now close. 

You receive this error message because a previous program installation still has pending file-rename operations. IE won't install until all the rename operations complete. If you reboot your computer, you should be able to proceed with the IE installation. If you receive the same error message, you need to remove the pending operations. Perform the following steps:

  1. Start regedit.exe.

  2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlSession Manager.

  3. Double-click PendingFileRenameOperations, and remove any entries. Click OK.

  4. Also check the following locations for any rename operations:

    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnce

    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnceEx

    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunServicesOnce

    • HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnce

  5. Close regedit.

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