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Unable To Execute File in the Temporary Directory Error 5 Fixed
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Published onAugust 16, 2024
published onAugust 16, 2024
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Did you get a pop-up saying “Unable to execute file in the temporary directory. Error 5: Access is denied.”?
This issue is related to the Windows InstallShield tool and temporary folders on the Windows installation drive. It’s primarily the C: drive. Sometimes, the InstallShield wizard can’t unpack the content of the installation package, and you’ll get this error message.
It usually happens for the following reasons:
To help you fix the issue, I’ve reproduced this error on a Windows 10 PC. Here are the solutions that worked for me!
How To Fix Unable To Execute File in the Temporary Directory Error 5
Here are some techniques to try, starting with the simplest. Follow this order for the quickest and best results:
Log On as an Administrator
Now, try installing the app again.
Run Installer as Administrator
If you’re already logged in to the Windows PC as an administrator, try the following instead:
Set Full Control for the Temp Folder
This should help you fix the “Unable To Execute File in the Temporary Directory Error 5” problem when installing software.
Clear the Temporary Files
Navigate to the followingTempfolders in your Windows PC and delete all the content inside these directories.
Try to erase as many temporary files as you can from them:
In the above Temp directory address, replaceCtOSwith your user account name.
You’ll need administrator access to delete the content of these Temp folders.
Create a New Default TEMP Folder
Run Disk Cleanup
Once you’ve cleaned the C: drive, try to install the app again.
Turn User Account Control Off
Test if the issue has been fixed or not. Follow the steps mentioned above to revert theUser Account Controllevel toAlways notify.
Perform a Clean Boot
Test if the issue is fixed or not. Once you’re able to install the new app, follow these steps again to enable non-Microsoft services and startup services from Task Manager. Reboot your PC to enforce these changes.
Create a New Administrator Account
You should now try to install the new app and see if the “Unable To Execute File in the Temporary Directory Error 5” issue is fixed.
Disable the Antivirus Program Briefly
Reboot Windows Into Safe Mode
Now, check if Error 5 surfaces again when you try to install an app.
Summary
So, these are the fixes you can follow to overcome the Unable to execute file in the temporary directory Error 5 when installing apps. These methods will work effectively on Windows 7, 8, 11, etc.
You might also want to check outYou have been denied permission to access this folderandFolder access denied Windows 11if you face any of these issues.
More about the topics:windows 10,Windows 11
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.