"Install failed - Error 1603 Fatal error during installation" while installing 3DS Max 2021

Autodesk Support

Jun 5, 2024

Products and versions covered

Issue:

3DS Max 2021 installation fails with a message reporting a 1603 error:


Install failed - Error 1603

Fatal error during installation.

Install failed - Error 1603 Fatal error during installation.

 

Causes:

  • Corrupted AdskLicensing.
  • The old Single Sign On Component (AdSSO) for 3DS Max 2019 is installed and cannot be removed by the system, during the installation. 
  • Corrupted or removed Autodesk Genuine Service.

Solution:

To solve the issue, apply one of the following solutions:


Replace pkg.AGS.xml file

If you are using the Autodesk 3ds Max 2021 installer obtained from the Download Method, try replacing the original pkg.AGS.xml file in the installer package with the attached one.
  • The default pkg.AGS.xml file location is C:\Autodesk\Autodesk_3ds_Max_2021_EFGJKPS_Win_64bit\x86\AGS\.
NOTE: Depending on your Internet browser, the attached pkg.AGS.xml file may lose the .xml extension or it may be replaced by .zip.  If this occurs rename the downloaded file to pkg.AGS.xml and then replace the original file as mentioned above.


Use Microsoft Installation Troubleshooter

If the solutions in the article above didn't solve the issue, check with Microsoft Installation Troubleshooter (also known as "Microsoft Fix It") for the "Single Sign-On Component" and remove it before attempting a new installation of 3DS Max 2021.


Clean Uninstall and reinstall

If none of the solutions above solved the issue, a Clean Uninstall, before attempting the installation, should let you install the software with no issues.

Attachments:

pkg.xml;

Products:

3ds Max;

Versions:

2021;

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