ERROR_INSTALL_USEREXIT - 1602 (0x642)

User cancelled installation.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Meaning

The error code ERROR_INSTALL_USEREXIT with the numeric value 1602 and hexadecimal representation 0x642 indicates that a user has explicitly cancelled an installation process. This error is typically generated when a user interrupts or cancels an ongoing software installation, either through direct interaction (such as clicking a cancel button) or indirectly due to system events that halt the installation.

Error Details

This error code is part of the Windows API and is used in various scenarios where an installation process needs to handle user input. It can be returned by functions such as InstallExecute, which are responsible for executing specific steps during the installation process. The presence of this error does not necessarily indicate a failure; it simply signifies that the user has chosen to terminate the operation.

Usage Context

ERROR_INSTALL_USEREXIT is commonly encountered in scenarios where an application or system component is performing an installation task. It can be used by developers to handle user cancellation gracefully, ensuring that any necessary cleanup operations are performed before terminating the installation process.

Developer Interpretation

When encountering ERROR_INSTALL_USEREXIT, developers should interpret it as a signal that the user has decided to cancel the current operation. This error code is often used in conjunction with other API functions and events to provide a consistent mechanism for handling user input during complex operations like installations. Developers can use this information to implement appropriate logic, such as rolling back changes or freeing resources before exiting the installation process.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_INSTALL_USEREXIT (1602)
  • ERROR_INSTALL_FAILURE (1603) - Indicates a failure during installation that is not due to user cancellation.
  • ERROR_INSTALL_PACKAGE_INVALID (1604) - Indicates an invalid package was encountered during the installation process.

FAQ

Q: What does ERROR_INSTALL_USEREXIT mean?

A: It indicates that the user has cancelled the installation process.

Q: How can I handle this error in my application?

A: Implement logic to clean up any resources and roll back changes if necessary before exiting the installation process.

Summary

The ERROR_INSTALL_USEREXIT (1602) is a user-initiated cancellation of an installation process. It provides developers with a clear signal that they should handle cleanup operations appropriately. This error code is part of the Windows API and is used in various scenarios where installations need to respond to user input.