Error 0x643, Unable to make changes to your software

While trying to install a third-party application on their Windows computer, MSI can sometimes encounter the message – Unable to make changes to your software, The software change returned error code 0x643. It is most commonly faced while installing high bandwidth applications like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, Eset, or a Microsoft Office product. This error has also been observed when users deploy SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) to install programs on multiple computers at the same time. Today, we will be discussing how you can fix Error 0x643 in Windows 11/10.

Error 0x643, Unable to make changes to your software

These are the solutions you can implement to get rid of this error 0x643 on your Windows PC:

Fix the Command Interpreter path
Repair the .NET Framework using the .NET Repair Tool
Enable .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8 (if applicable)

1] Fix the Command Interpreter path

If you’re using the SCCM utility, it is recommended that you precede it with a COMSPEC command to set the command line interpreter path right. Here’s how you can do it:

Search for CMD on your Start Menu’s search bar
When the Command Prompt icon shows up, click to run it as administrator and confirm the UAC prompt
Now, paste the following command there and press enter

%ComSpec%="C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND.COM

As you can see in the prompt’s title, our command line’s path has now been shifted

2] Repair the .NET Framework using the .NET Repair Tool

If the issue is caused by an inconsistency in the .NET Framework, you can try repairing it using the .NET Framework Repair Tool. This method has been found to be successful especially while installing Adobe products. Here’s how you have to do:

Visit the .NET Framework repair tool download on Microsoft.com
Scroll down a bit and download the utility
Open the executable file and comply with the licensing agreement to begin the installation process
The tool will then begin to run and you’ll be recommended with the changes
Apply them and restart your system. Once done, try installing the third-party application again to see if you’re still facing the error

3] Enable .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8 (If applicable)

Search for ‘Turn Windows Features On or Off’ on your start menu search bar and open the subsequent Control Panel setting.
Alternatively, you can run the ‘appwiz.cpl’ command and open the option from there
Tick the boxes that say .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8
Click on Ok and confirm it by clicking on Yes in the subsequent prompt
Reboot your PC and check if you’re able to install apps cleanly or not.

This should help!

Read: Windows Installer Error 1619, Installation of the program failed

How to fix the fatal installation error (Error 1603)?

An error code 1603 pops up when an installation is interrupted. The error message reads “Fatal error during installation”. This error is caused when, either the software you’re downloading already exists or if the process/files relating to the software are already running during the installation. It can also be caused by issues with the Windows Installer. Here are some of the measures you can undertake to steer clear of this error.

Ensure that the user account has the administrative privileges to download the software
Run Microsoft Fixit
Check for Windows Update
Restart the Windows Installer utility

I hope this was of help to you!