Paradox launcher v2 setup wizard ended prematurely

[VoidsX-]

Hi,

I'm installing EU4 in steam on a new windows install and keep running into this error, I tried most of the common fixes online but nothing worked. This is the error in the log file:

2021-08-20 17:31:31 [main] [INFO] Dowser version: 2020.2
2021-08-20 17:31:31 [main] [INFO] The `launcherpath` file does not exists:
C:\Users\V\AppData\Local\Paradox Interactive\launcherpath
2021-08-20 17:31:31 [main] [INFO] Trying to fix existing installation in "/passive" mode
2021-08-20 17:31:31 [main] [ERROR] Fixing existing installation failed:
exit status 1605
2021-08-20 17:31:31 [main] [INFO] Running regular installation in "/passive" mode
2021-08-20 17:31:40 [main] [ERROR] Encountered installation error: exit status 1603
2021-08-20 17:31:40 [main] [INFO] Retrying installation on non-passive mode
2021-08-20 17:32:53 [main] [CRITICAL] Failed to install Paradox Launcher:
exit status 1603

 

[AndrewT]

Let's try forcing an update of the launcher.

Download the installer package: https://forumcontent.paradoxplaza.com/emailsignatures/2021.6-win-prod.zip

Unpack the file you just downloaded and place the three files in the Steam folder for the game you're having issues with. If asked if you want to replace already existing files click "yes" - that's a sign you are in the right place!


THEN
- exit the Steam app entirely
- uninstall Paradox Launcher v2 from the Windows "Apps and features" utility, if still present.

Delete the following folders if still present:

- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/
- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Paradox Interactive/
- C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Roaming/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2/
To see the AppData folder you'll need to enable View Hidden Items in File Explorer.

- run steam.exe as the Windows Admin user

- run the game from the PLAY button in Steam

IF that doesn't help, in this folder are some .log files:
C:/users/<UserName>/AppData/Local/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2/
Please attach them here.

 

[VoidsX-]

No luck, same problem.. logfiles attached

 

[AndrewT]

The 1603/1605 errors we see there are typically a previous other installation stuck, or a problem in the Windows update/install processes.

If you see msiexec running in Task manager-processes, kill it and try this launcher install again please.

Otherwise run the Update app in Windows, does it load okay, find anything to apply - whether a patch, update, or whole new Windows 10 version? If so do that and reboot, then try this launcher install again please.

If still no good, do you see Paradox Launcher v2 in the Windows Control Panel to uninstall? If so does it uninstall cleanly, or get an error doing that?

 

[VoidsX-]

Well this is strange, I don't have stuck msiexec process and windows update works fine, updated everything no problems. Don't even have an antivirus yet to interfere with anything. I would hate to reinstall windows for this problem especially when everything else seems to be working fine.. There is no Paradox launcher in control panel because it was never installed to begin with (format + new windows install). but I am using the same steam game files (EU4) should I delete the whole game and redownload?

 

[AndrewT]

Deleting the game will not fix whatever is wrong in the Windows update process that is preventing our launcher installer from running.

You could try the free utilities Revo Uninstaller and Ccleaner, to make sure all trace of Paradox Launcher v2 is gone.

Failing that, it may be your new Windows installation did not go well. Not really sure what to suggest for that situation, to be honest!

 

[VoidsX-]

I have no idea why but installing the launcher through playing Stellaris worked and now the launcher works for both games, lol

 

[exseed77]

can i also get some help i have the same problem

 

[AndrewT]

can i also get some help i have the same problem

Do the clean reinstall from post#2 above again, EXCEPT in the first "uninstall" step also run the free utilities Ccleaner and Revo Uninstaller to make sure the launcher is gone. Then run this MS tool for the same purpose:

Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed - Microsoft Support

The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter helps you automatically repair issues when you're blocked from installing or removing programs.

support.microsoft.com

Then proceed with the rest of the process, as I laid it out there,

 

[eric_winternight]

Hi, same problem here. I tried to follow the instructions posted above, but simply i'm not able to install this launcher. Please, someone help me...!

 

[AndrewT]

The 1603/1605 errors we see there are typically a previous other installation stuck, or a problem in the Windows update/install processes.

If you see msiexec running in Task manager-processes, kill it and try this launcher install again please.

Otherwise run the Update app in Windows, does it load okay, find anything to apply - whether a patch, update, or whole new Windows 10 version? If so do that and reboot, then try this launcher install again please.

If still no good, do you see Paradox Launcher v2 in the Windows Control Panel to uninstall? If so does it uninstall cleanly, or get an error doing that? Please try removing it with this tool:

Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed - Microsoft Support

The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter helps you automatically repair issues when you're blocked from installing or removing programs.

support.microsoft.com

Good luck!

 

[RobertRAZ]

Same problem here, please help

 

[AndrewT]

Same problem here, please help

Please don't re-open old threads, the game and launcher have changed in the last year. Make your own fresh one in future, thanks.

Did you go through everything in my last post here? You don't mention any of those things either way.

 

[RobertRAZ]

Please don't re-open old threads, the game and launcher have changed in the last year. Make your own fresh one in future, thanks.

Did you go through everything in my last post here? You don't mention any of those things either way.

yes, I did..The last thing is to reinstall the OS, but don t want to

 

[AndrewT]

What if you make a new Windows user on this machine and log into Windows as that? Any different?