What Is Internal Error 2908?

A message on your computer screen that states, "Internal Error 2908: Could not install component" can serve as an annoying roadblock for what should be an effortless software installation. Simple causes and solutions to this pesky error message exist, however.

Considerations

The 2908 error message occurs when re-installing incorrectly installed software. Microsoft recommends that Windows users uninstall software via the Add/Remove Program function in Control Panel, or by choosing to "Uninstall" the program under the computer's Start menu.

Origins

Microsoft Office, .Net Framework and Visual Studio count among the Windows programs associated with the 2908 error message. At some point in the installation process, the computer failed to put files correctly into place.

Prevention/Solution

You can eliminate the 2908 error message by removing and re-installing recently installed or updated Windows software. If the issue persists, running a registry cleaner on your operating system will remove unnecessary information from your computer's registry -- a file listing all the settings for your computer's appearance and actions -- to make things run smoother. Microsoft warns users, however, about downloading registry cleaners from unknown sources, and advises backing up your system before running such software.

References

• Microsoft.com: Are Registry Cleaners Necessary?"