Setup error, "Access violation"

A small percentage of users have reported receiving an "Access violation" error message when running setup packages from Thinkzo Systems.

Thinkzo Systems software setup packages are created with version 5 or later of the free Inno Setup install packager. When the resulting Inno Setup package is run to install Thinkzo Systems software, Inno Setup can interact with certain system instabilities and trigger the "Access violation" error message.

The error message typically appears as soon as the "Next >" button on the opening setup page is pressed. Instead of seeing the License Agreement page, an "Access violation" error message is displayed. At this point the only option is to exit setup.

The developer of Inno Setup has been made aware of this issue, but seems unwilling or unable to resolve the issue.

The below recommendations may or may not help you resolve your "Access violation" error during setup. However, each of the below solutions proved to work for the two very helpful users who provided me with the information.

  • Run a registry cleaner software. Be sure to backup the registry before cleaning. Some registry cleaner software will automatically backup the registry before cleaning, but not every registry cleaner creates the backup for you. Make sure you restart your system after the registry clean, then try to run the setup package again. Please note that Thinkzo Systems is in no position to advise you on any specific registry cleaner software.
  • If you use the JAWS screen reading software, I still recommend that you try the registry clean mentioned above first. However, if the registry clean does not resolve the problem, try the following:
    1. Unload JAWS. At this point you will have no speech.
    2. If you are using Windows XP, start the Narrator utility to get speech. Otherwise, you will need to obtain some sighted assistance or use other screen reading software for speech.
    3. Try to run the setup package again.

One of the above solutions should enable you to get your software installed. If none of these solutions resolve the problem, you most likely have some very serious system instability that needs to be resolved first. Thinkzo Systems is not in a position to offer this kind of assistance in person, by phone or email. This level of system problem is best handled in person by a knowledgable computer professional.

If you are aware of another solution for this problem, please pass it along to me at Thinkzo Systems by filling out an appropriate Contact form.


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