Windows is a wonderful operating system and what makes it even more wonderful is the ability to install various kinds of apps. That said, many things could stop you from installing new apps. One such error is “Error writing temporary file, Make sure your temp folder is valid”. In this post, we’ll know more about this error and have a look at some effective ways in which you can fix the error quickly.
What Is “Error Writing Temporary File, Make Sure Your Temp Folder Is Valid”
It is an NSIS or Nullsoft Scriptable Install System error. It occurs when you try to uninstall an application, run an installer package or even restart your computer. As the error code states, when this issue occurs, Windows cannot read or write inside the temp folder. The error also indicates that the .EXE file of the application has become corrupt due to one or the other reason because of which the Windows Installer file is affected and no changes can be made to the application.
What Are The Reasons Behind “Error Writing Temporary File, Make Sure Your Temp Folder Is Valid”
There could be several reasons behind this issue such as –
- PC infected with malware. More specifically, the installer package consists of malicious files.
- Misconfigured temp folder.
- Temp files have become corrupted.
- The installer package is pirated.
Best Ways To Fix “Error Writing Temporary File, Make Sure Your Temp Folder Is Valid”
Solution No. 1 – Try Running Installer As Admin
If you are unable to install the application normally as you would, you can try installing it as an administrator. This step will give complete permission to the installer to run the application on your PC. To run the installer as admin, right-click on the installer and select Run as administrator
Solution No. 2 – Remove Temporary Files Manually
As we said that the error at hand could have occurred because of corrupt temporary files or if temporary files are taking up too much storage space. In either case, here is how you can simply get rid of temporary files on your Windows PC.
1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R
2. When the run dialog box opens, type %temp%.
3. Press Enter.
4. When the temporary files open, select all and click on Shift + Delete
Here, we’d like to add that there are more than one ways todelete temporary files on Windows. And, while it is a hassle-free process, there are times when you might find yourself in a situation where you are unable to delete temp files. If that’s the case, this post will help you out.
Solution No. 3 – Configure Appropriate Permissions
In case the temp folder is set to read-only, Windows won’t be able to save files in it. You might be wondering why is that a problem. Windows creates temp files for all kinds of applications, even for ones that you try to install. For this, the temp folder needs full control. And, here’s how that can be established –
1. Open Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows + E keys.
2. Navigate to C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local. Change the UserName with yours.
3. Right-click on the Temp folder and select Properties.
4. Click on the Security tab.
5. Select your username and click on the Edit button next to To change permissions, click Edit.
6. Click on the Allow checkbox next to Full Control.
7. Click on Apply and then, OK
8. Restart your computer.
Solution No. 4 – Restart Windows Installer Service
As an additional measure, you can also restart Windows Installer Service. Here is how you can enable or disable Windows Installer Service.
Solution No. 5 – Fix Memory-Related Issues
If you are unable to install new software and are constantly running into the “Make sure your temp folder is valid” error message, it could be that there are memory-related issues. To resolve these issues, you can use Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool as shown in this post.
Solution No. 6 – Use A Third-Party Optimizer Program
At this point, if you are still not able to fix the issue, you can bring into force a third-party tool like Advanced System Optimizer. The tool can help identify common issues and fix them as well. It also has a dedicated memory optimizer that can help optimize the unallocated system memory.
How To Use Advanced System Optimizer To Fix Common Issues?
1. Download, run, and install Advanced System Optimizer.
2. From the left-hand side, click on Smart PC Care.
3. Click on the blue-colored Start Scan from the bottom-right corner and wait for the scan to complete.
4. Once the scan is complete, Advanced System Optimizer will enlist issues and actions that you can take.
Solution No. 7 – Compress The Installer File
You can try compressing the installer file to get rid of the “Make sure your temp folder is valid” error message. More specifically, here you can compress the .EXE file. To do that follow the steps mentioned below –
1. Open File Explorer.
2. Find the problematic installer file.
3. Right-click on the .EXE file and choose Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
4. Launch the installer from the zipped folder.
Solution No. 8 – Reinstall The Program
You may also want to check the program for malware since it could be the case that the installer package consists of malware because of which you are repeatedly getting the message. Once you have ascertained that the application you want to download or even its files are not malware, uninstall the program completely, wait for some time, and reinstall the program.
Can You Now Install Programs?
We hope that after you have tried the measures above, you have been able to fix the “Make sure your temp folder is valid” error. For more such content, keep reading WeTheGeek. You can also find us on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.