Alienware Command Center (AWCC) Reports Installation Error 1603 and Fails to Install

When installing Alienware Command Center (AWCC) from the installer (setup.exe) you may receive a 1603 Installation Error message, and the installation fails. This happens when other Microsoft applications are open or running in the background during the installation. 

This error happens on Alienware devices running the Windows 10 operating system. (Version 1709 or higher.)

This affects the following products: All Alienware Laptops and Desktops

This error occurs because there are shared files needed for installation. These shared files are already in use by other Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications which cause the installation to fail.

Solution 1

1. Close the installer.

2. Close all Microsoft programs such as the Microsoft Store and any application from it:

   • Microsoft Office applications

   • Microsoft Edge

   • Calculator

   • Microsoft tips

   • Any other UWP application

3. Try to install AWCC again.

4. Perform a Clean Boot if the issue persists. See the following article for instructions on how to perform a clean boot:

   • Dell Knowledgebase Article: How to perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10 to troubleshoot software conflicts

5. Try to install AWCC again.

6. Go back and complete the steps under How to restart, if the installation finishes:

   • Dell Knowledgebase Article: How to perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10 to troubleshoot software conflicts

Solution 2

Install the latest version of the AWCC. See the following article for more information:

• Dell Knowledgebase Article: How to Remove and Reinstall the Alienware Command Center

Problem Solving 

Should there be any other issues with this process, there is supporting content in the following articles to help.

• Dell Knowledgebase Article: Resolving the "preparing to install" Alienware Command Center Install error

• Dell Knowledgebase Article: Alienware Command Center Add-ons Installation Fails