What Is an Error 1303?

Error 1303 is an error message you might encounter when attempting to install computer software. The error indicates that the installation utility does not have the security privileges required to modify the contents of the destination directory. You can resolve this issue and finish installing the software by changing the security settings for the problem directory.

Solution

Resolve Error 1303 by taking note of the folder given in the error message and navigating to its parent folder in Windows Explorer. For example, if the folder in the error message is "C:\ProgramData\Adobe." Find the "ProgramData" folder in Windows Explorer. Right-click it and select "Properties" on the context menu. You can adjust the security permissions for the folder by selecting the "Security" tab in the next window and clicking the "Advanced" button. When changing the permissions for "System" and "Everyone" to "Full Control," select the box labeled "Replace all existing inheritable permissions" to automatically change the settings for all folders under the selected one.

Alternative Resolution

Adjusting permissions for folders is complicated, and users not accustomed to system administration may find the process confusing. For this reason, some companies distribute programs that resolve Error 1303 automatically. You can obtain one such program from the Intuit support website. This program resolves Error 1303 with the QuickBooks and Quicken products.

Simple File Sharing

In some cases, the Simple File Sharing feature in Windows XP Professional may cause Error 1303. If you have this feature enabled, disabling it may be a simple way to fix the error. You can disable Simple File Sharing by clicking the "Tools" menu at the top of a Windows Explorer window and selecting "Folder Options." Select the "View" tab. Scroll to the bottom of the list and remove the check from the box labeled "Use Simple File Sharing." Click "OK" to confirm.

Known Programs

Error 1303 occurs with many different programs. Some of the programs that can exhibit this issue include Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, QuickBooks and Quicken. In all cases, the resolution is the same.

References

• Microsoft: You Receive an "Error 1303. The Installer Has Insufficient Privileges to Access This Directory" Error Message When You Run Office 2000 Setup
• Adobe: "Error 1303: Installer Has Insufficient Privileges"
• Intuit QuickBooks Support: Error 1303: Installer Has Insufficient Privileges to Access This Directory
• Quicken: Error 1303 or 1321 When Installing Quicken