What Does Error 1706 Mean?

When installing applications to run on Windows XP or Vista, users may encounter numerous errors. Among these are Error 1706. Users are prompted with a dialog box containing the text "Setup cannot find the required files. Check your connection to the network, or CD-ROM drive." This happens when a user attempts to remove or repair the application and Windows cannot find the installation media.

Symptoms

When a user attempts to install, repair or remove an application, a dialog box may appear with the title "Error 1706" followed by a variety of messages. The most common messages include "Error -1706: No valid source could be found for product." and "Error 1706. Setup cannot find the required files. Check your connection to the network, or CD-ROM drive."

Causes

Error 1706 occurs when users attempt to install an application from a network resource that is no longer available. Other possible causes include a dirty CD or DVD, or faulty memory. Corrupted files are a sign that your memory may be damaged.

Affected Applications

Error 1706 is related to the InstallShield installer, which is used to install, remove and repair third-party Windows programs. This error can occur during any installation, no matter who made the program.

Repairing Error 1706

The easiest solution to resolving an Error 1706 is to find the original installation media and insert it into your computer. In order to repair the error, update the Windows Installer to the latest version by downloading it from Microsoft. If all else fails, complete a memory test on your computer to ensure it is not an I/O problem.

Windows Installer Cleanup Utility

A program called Windows Installer Cleanup Utility may be used to fix Error 1706. The program removes all traces of the affected application from the Windows Installer database. By restarting the system, users can attempt to reinstall their application.

References

• Error - Error 1706
• Microsoft Knowledge Base Article #Q297834