Fix Program Compatibility Issue in Windows 8

Introduction

This article explains how to fix program compatibility issues in Windows 8. When you run the .NET Framework 4.5 Setup, you might encounter an issue that prevents or blocks the installation of the .NET Framework. This type of problem can occur for many reasons. But one of the main reason is Program Compatibility issues.

.NET Framework 4.5 Setup fails with a 1603 error code or blocks when it is running in Windows Program Compatibility mode. The Program Compatibility Assistant indicates that the .NET Framework might not have been installed correctly, and prompts you to reinstall it using the recommended settings. Program Compatibility mode could also have been set by the Program Compatibility Assistant or due to a previous failed or canceled attempt to run the .NET Framework Setup.

The .NET Framework 4.5 Setup cannot run in Program Compatibility mode. To resolve this blocking issue, you must ensure that the compatibility mode setting is not enabled system-wide by the Registry Editor:

How to fix program compatibility issues in Windows 8

Steps 1

Go to the search box and type "Regedit" and click on the application that appears in the result window.

Step 2

The registry editor window will be opened.

Step 3

In the registry editor window go to the follwing subkeys and delete any entry that sets system-wide app compatibility.

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Compatibility Assistant\Persisted
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers

Step 4

Now exit from the registry window and try again to run the setup file.