This is a very complicated problem that may happen when installing your Hp software. This may happen when you installed the software previously on an external hard drive that has already been removed. The registry keys that point to the installation address may still be present that is why during installation it tries to find the non-existent drive. This would then give you and Invalid Drive error message when Installing HP Software.
Solution:
All you need to do is make a virtual drive with the letter matching the invalid drive’s.
- Go to command prompt. Click on Run and type CMD and press ok.
- In the command prompt type the command:
Syntax:
Subst (invalid drive letter): (existing drive letter):\
Example:
Subst I: C:\
UPDATE Febuary 6, 2009:
I would like to thank Zalia for inspiring me to seek and destroy the root cause of this problem. The solution above is still effective however it does not fully remove the root cause of the problem which are registry keys pointing to an invalid drive. Before I continue I would like to inform everybody that the next steps involves editing registry keys and if not done properly it may affect your systems stability and performance. Advanced knowledge is needed.
The Ultimate Fix: (i will not elaborate more on simple steps as I am expecting only advanced users to tackle this step.)
You need to go to “REGEDIT” by typing “REGEDIT” on the RUN dialog box and inspect the following keys on your registry. Pictures are provided for each area on your registry as an example, to show you some views on a normal registry entry for a certain local drive C. If it does not point to the correct drive you may right click and modify it to the correct drive letter.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
Make sure that directory paths on the right side is on a correct/existing drive. If it is using an invalid drive right click and modify the directory path by changing the drive letter to a correct one.
As you may see on the comments below. This article has proven itself to have a high resolution rate and is definitely worth trying. For the record, this solution also works with other software installation problems as well for the following:
Adobe, Gigaware, Camtasia Studio, Microsoft Activesync, Turbo Tax, Lexmark, and more!
fixed! thanks you…!!!
It didn’t work for me, and when I tried to rerun the command it verified that the drive was already subst.
if you could share more detailed info about your issue in here, I would love to take a challenge…
this way, i can help you and others as well experiencing the same problem.
It worked for me too. Thanks.
I am glad this article has helped you…
always helping,
nikolai
out-of-warranty author
Yeah! after much frustration and time looking for an answer, I found it here! thanks! so easy when you know how!
Worked for me with invalid drive letter G. Thanks so much -J
I had problems installing any software with an Invalid Drive G:\. As you described, I believe this stemmed from an external hard drive I’d removed or uplugged (even though the LaCie didn’t use a drive named G:\, the registry keys must have pointed to it).
Whatever was wrong this fixed. Thanks so much.
-J
i am glad this “Invalid Drive” article gave all of you great success on your product or software! Keep posting your comments whether it worked or it did not for you. So far, we have great results with this solution, so it is safe to say that this solution worth trying!
regards,
out-of-warranty author
Doesnt work, gives invalid parameter message.
Quick and painless! Many thanks!
@ Doesnt work, gives invalid parameter message.
please make sure you type the command properly. I believe you mistyped the command
Quick and painless!
i like how you use your words! thanks for the wonderful comment!
wow. i ended up being here because i had a problem with my computer’s internet connection (probably LAN card issue), which forced me to hook up printer to my laptop — when i tried to install the printer, i couldn’t, because of the error message. this REALLY helped. i wish i could come and kiss you and give you a BIG hug!!!!
thanks to all who responded! it only shows that this solution has already proved itself effective…
I love you! I just love you! I’ve been working on this problem since version 8 of iTunes (maybe six months or longer) and when I finally remembered to put spaces into the string above, hey presto! iTunes 8 went straight over 7, (which I couldn’t uninstall due to the same Invalid Drive error…blech!) I’m off and running and YOU ARE A LEGEND!! -Jane from Oz
You are welcome Jane from Oz!
It worked for me…Thank You!!! At first I wasn’t sure you needed to include spaces when writing the line, but I got it on my second attempt! subst(space)G:(space)C:\ then hit enter… I’m pretty sure that’s how it went!
Thanks again.
I had the same problem and have tried your solution. It works, thanks to you, but now another problem arises.
The invalid drive F:\ is actually my external hard drive when it was plugged in. So now everytime I click on the F:\ drive, I will be pointed out to C:\ drive.
I know that I can change the drive letter from F to other letters, but is there any other solution to this?
Thank you- zalia
@ zalia
- This solution aims an easy fix that does not compromise your systems stability.
However, there is another solution to this which involves advanced steps in editing your registry entries.
you need to go to “REGEDIT” and inspect the following keys on your registry.
*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
and make sure that directory paths on the right side is on a correct/existing drive. If it is using an invalid drive right click and modify the directory path by changing the drive letter to a correct one.
It works!
Thank you very much for your help.
-zalia
Oh thank you so much! It worked great.
this worked for me!!!! Thanks
this worked for me!!! Thanks for the help.
nez
When I get to the last folder in the regedit thing, i dont see any drives listed on the right side, just %[something]%
I used the regedit solution and it worked out great. Thanks so much.
i am glad it help you out!
Hi Nikolai,
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
You helped me as well as all the others :0))
Thank you – It is probably not the last time i’ll ask you about the strange world of computers hehe…
Best regards
Jesper K, Denmark
@ Jesper K, Denmark
sure! feel free to ask anytime!
Thanks for the tip… I’m fixing a friends computer and when trying to uninstall programs I kept getting this error. The Subst worked perfectly! Wish I found this post an hour ago!
your welcome! it is nice to know that i have helped almost every one with this post. This solution has already proved itself to be effective and worth trying!
I found this on another forum and it worked for me after I got one with Invalid Drive: K:\. I uninstalled my HP Printer and a lot of other stuff that came with it, and ever since then get that code. So I found this.
“the way to fix it is you just plug in any kind of drive into usb port on your computer. For example, I plug my USB flash drive then computer will show the new drive that assigned for the usb dive that you just plug in, it will work.”
It doesn’t show up as “Drive K”, but either way, I was able to install an update that I wasn’t able to before. Hope this helps.
Brilliant! Worked a treat. Thank you.
Your welcome!
I had problems uninstalling Microsoft Office 2007 and I was getting the Error 1327.invalid Drive Y:
I followed the fix instructions as given on this website and edited the registry, I found the following was the problem:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
The value for Favourites was set to Y:\ So I simply changed the value to be C:\ and retried uninstalling Microsoft Office 2007 software and it was successful. Thanks a million!!! Gareth
i am glad to know that this solution solves not only problems with HP but other softwares as well..:P thanks!
I have no idea how to get this to work. Please elaborate for us newbies as I am unable to use my HP printer
@ Gabriel, In order for me to provide appropriate solution you need elaborate more on your issue and I will do my best to help you… If the solution above did not work for you , you probably have a different issue at hand..
Gabriel,
My problem was similar to others, but on a used Gateway. The previous user had a network engineer perform maintenance and installation of programs.
When I tried to uninstall several programs (such as an old version of Adobe Reader and Microsoft Antispyware), I received the Error 1327: Invalid Drive E: message. (No E drive or HP software on this PC)
I also could not simply install several common programs.
My take on the problem was the network engineer used his skills to install and backup the owner’s programs and documents to another drive, which became the default for install/removal.
I spent several hours trying to resolve until I came across this enlightening website. The problem extends well beyond HP. Thanks. Zonny
Thank you for your constructive comment Zoony. Im glad I was able to help you.
thanks a million! i have had the invalid drive issue for a long time and it prevented me from installing several programs. i just wish i had found your website sooner. will definitely come back to this website for any tech support issue…..jeetwani.
Your welcome, jeetwani.
[...] that the solution for this would still be the same with Vista and XP. Just refer to this article: Invalid Drive During Installation Vista XP & Windwos 7. [...]
THANK YOU!!!! It worked beautifully…no more dialog boxes saying that.
Thank you so much.
Your welcome Mikel! Thank you for your comment.
Thank you a thousand times over!!!!!
You are always welcome here at out-of-warranty.com Mark!
Regards,
Nik
I can’t thank you enough! Perfect Fix!! I’m so glad for generous and caring people like you
I’ll keep your website handy!
Kat
Your Welcome Kat! Please let me know if you have any more problems!:P
THANK YOU SO MUCH, WISHED I FOUND YOUR SOLUTION SOONER, WOULD HAVE SAVED ME HOURS OF HEADACHES!! THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!
Your welcome jason! I am glad I was able to help you with your invalid drive problem. May I know what software had the problem?
Thanks! I was having trouble installing Photoshop CS4 in my new Vista Computer. This has resolved the problem for me.. Thanks again.!
Perfect! thanks
your welcome1
Thank You. It saved me from hooking up several external drives then changing the destination.
Your welcome Melvin!
Hi there,
I’ve tried all of the above to no avail. I keep trying to install Itunes but each time it stops me and says “invalid G drive you need Quicktime” etc. I tried to substitute the letter C in place of G on the task command thing but it said invalid parameters. Please help me I am absolutely at my wits end here and now my iPhone has shut off until the program’s fixed. thanks so much
Can you tell me what happened after doing each step above. For example, what happened after you input the subst command? Were you able to go to your registry? make sure you have thoroughly checked on it.
The solutions above have a high success rate. I highly recommend every one make sure that it is done properly so we can then proceed to other troubleshooting alternatives.
Thanks! This fixed the problem that has been going on for a long time. My system was looking for non-existent G: drive every time I tried to install/uninstall most programs and I’d been popping in two USB sticks to get a G: drive present. In my case the registry entries pointed to directories obviously set up by Sandisk U3 software – and now I remember a time when U3 hung and I had to power down the computer.
You may want to add to the main entry advice on BACKING UP THE REGISTRY before starting on any changes to the Registry. On XP:
Click Start / Run and enter:%SystemRoot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
and obviously choose Backup.
Thanks again!
Your welcome stephen! I am glad to help.
regards,
Nik
After I’ve finished typing in “Syntax: Subst K: I:/” in “run” it says that syntax is not recognized as an internal or external command… i have windows xp 2000 please help? what have i done wrong?
Thanks a lot. this worked wonders…bless u
with love from nigeria
Jenna, do not type in the word “syntax”.
Cheers,
Dhex
You friggin’ save my effin’ life man ! If ever you need a webdesigner, mail-me, you’ll get a full design free !
Thank you SO much !
PS: my problem was with photoshop and dreamweaver :p
Many thanks!! I can finally at long last install acrobat- all down to a mystery J: drive that vanished long ago
thanks again
Thanks a million!! I was tearing my hair out having just bought a new all in one HP printer and could not understand why the CD would not install and neither would the software after I downloaded it, due to fatal error invalid drive E. Your solution was quick and effective. Keep up the great work!!
I seem to have a trickier problem. I get the “Error 1327. Invalid drive I:” from InstallShield when trying to install a driver. However I: does exist and is accessible.
It is a mapped network drive, that I cannot unmap, because I have redirected my “Documents” folder onto it, which has been working smoothly for a long time now. I also use offline folders to keep this folder accessible when offline. So here I am stuck, unable to apply the above fix, because that would mean a major change to my system.
Any comments will be appreciated.
Gregor
I agree with you gregor… What are you trying to install by the way?
I cannot use your solution as I only have a single default key in my registry. Also my folders stop at
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
after which I get a folder that says ‘internet setting’, then the tree ends.
Any ideas? I’m running winXP.
Thanks in for sharing the solution anyway.
Jay, if the registry key shown are missing then you have to recreate them. Let me know if you have trouble i can create on for you that is ready to be imported to your registry.
regards,
nik
pakset… ur amazing it worked with me!!!
It worked! It worked! I was having problems installing a utility for my router. I ran into the issue where it was trying to install the software onto a non existent drive at the time.
I dint use CMD, i just used Regedit and i changed 2 folders named My Images and My Music that were in drive G: and i change it to C:
And it worked!
Thanks!
If the above don’t work; Check out the value of;
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
Key – Public
Mine was pointing to G:\users\public
I should mention I was using an external HD listed as G: for my “Public Folders.
I have windows 7, and when i go to the command prompt, i cant find anywhere where it says run?(i am trying to install quick time and it gives me an error message “invalid drive K:\ )
type run in the search box..
Thanks very much !!! It works for me !!! I have a lot of gray hairs from 2 days
But its works right now !!! Thanks again !!! Greets from Poland
Thank you so much
It really worked and has helped me a lot.
I had an error with G drive…its resolved…all thanks to you
Hello, my problem is I need to update the version 12 of Corel DR with SP1 and in the course of instlacion all goes well until they were installed all update files I send this message: (error 1327 invalid drive k: / ), and reviewed several times all possible causes of your dimensions but it seems everything in order, and even try to change devices for storing point, I have two external hard drives if that can not be the root of the problem, I need some advice thank you very much …
Thanks dude! Really helped me out and it works!! Pretty simple solution as well, keep up the good work, cheers
Hi,
Thanks a lot for the solution.
I used the first step of the command prompt to solve the problem of invalid drive D: and it worked. But now in the option of my computer I see a new drive D: along with the C: drive (the existing local drive) which has the same files as that of the C: My question here is that is this going to be a problem for me when in future when I install new softwares?
I also checked the registry keys by using REGEDIT command as per said and the pcitures shown by you and all of the entries were pointing towards C: as shown in pictures. But here my question is that should all the entries now be pointing towards D: or should be as earlier (i.e. pointing towards C:).
Thanks in advance.
NSL
good work man, this is really cool
The command didn’t work for me, but the registry edit did. Thanks!!
Any ideas as to what causes this problem to occur? I am very appreciative of the fix, but inquiring minds would like to know what could have caused this in the first place, as to avoid it in the future.
In my case, the affected entries were pointing to an external western digital drive, to some Sync folder or something on there.
I didn’t have to change the registry keys. The 1st step fixed the problem. THANK YOU!
Unfortunately neither of these solutions worked for me. I am attempting to fix the following error that comes up every time I try to install Adobe “Error 1327.Invalid Drive I:\”. When I try the easy fix I get this: “Invalid parameter – I:C:\”. As for the advanced fix, I have verified that all 5 of your registry points are correct, and I have also searched the entire registry for “I:\” and corrected the two or three entries that came up. Yet still I get the same error message when I attempt to install Adobe. At this point I am baffled, and any help would be GREATLY appreciated!
Nic, try;
Subst I: C:\
noting the spaces in front of both the I and the C.
It appears that this is the proper way to type the command (instead of getting an “Invalid parameter” message I get nothing–which I assume means success in the command world!) Unfortunately this did not solve the problem though–I still cannot install Adobe 9.2 (as I get the same Invalid Drive I:\ message.) That being said, a couple weeks ago my computer spontaneously starting recognizing pdf files using Adobe 7.0?! Seeing as I actually have a working version of adobe, I no longer have the necessity I had at the time of my original post. I plan to just stick with “what works” for now, and if it ever stops working again, I’m sure I’ll be back on the message board begging for help.
Thanks for trying though!!
Such a quick fix. You are a lifesaver. Thank you, thank you!!!
Thank youuuuuu so much for this! The first step worked for me and I REALLY appreciate your website! So relieved now!
Thanks, these posts saved me a lot of frustration. Thanks for the input about spaces in the dos command.
Fixed! Perfect.
Scratch that, it didn’t work for me. I was hoping it would so I posted in anticipation..
what can i do to help? provide more details please.
Which fix did you try? They should both work if you do it correctly. I just edited my registry because the subst method is a bandaid fix.
Hi Nik,
I am trying to uninstall a software (AT&T Communication Manager) so that I can reinstall the new version of it, but it wont let me uninstall it or install the new one, I get Invalid Drive K.
I am not all that computer savy, and am doing my best. I keep getting “Invalid Parameter”
What else can I do? Please explain, please!
ok, never mind, IT WORKED!!!!!!!!!! yay!!!
Thanks to Rich C who explained how to space the letters. His way made more sence then the initial instructions.
thank you everyone
I was installing a Photosmart Plus All-In-One Wireless printer for my dad and kept getting this error. When we originally installed Windows XP on his computer, the (internal)USB SD drive reader caused Windows to install to the I: drive instead of C:(allocated to one of the SD card drives). This fix kept him from having to open the case and unplug all of the drives except his hard drive, or me driving 1 1/2 hours to his house and doing it myself. Thank you very much for this fix!
Thanks, the solution worked perfectly!
I am having this same problem with trying to install Adobe Reader. I have tried most of the suggestions listed here (such as regedit) but everything looked OK (at least to me), so didnt change anything.
The error 1327 I keep getting is saying “Invalid Drive: M:”. M: is a networked drive, and is online and accessible. So not quite sure what to try next?
Any ideas? Thanks a million.
After enterin the Subst command, I got an invalid paramenter message. It still seemed to work though. Thanks!
I don’t understand the language you all are using. I am having a problem installing a printer. F4280. Can you help me? Please
This forum requires you to make an initial effort to fix your issue. Please follow the suggested steps above and let us know the results.. thanks,
I have been trying to make this printer work for two days now. I have installed and uninstalled it countless times. I have came to the conclusion that the port is the problem. The error messages says “The HP device is not detected. This window will close soon”. I think I need to create a virtual usb port. I was using a F2200 series, I looked at the properties and saw the USB…virtual , but for the F4200 series, the port is L1 and I don’t know how to make a port for my new printer. Would you help me please?
I need to create a USB virtual printer port, F4280, Windows XP. I have been trying everything I can think of and what others have told me, but so far, nothing. Please help
Hi, I am hoping someone can help me. i am using Thinkpad T500 with Win7 OS. I have been trying for a week. Have downloaded the latest Win 7 driver/EMEA full solution from HP website. When installing get following error:
Fatal error during installation
Internal Error 2203 C:\windows\installer\3cbb86.ipi, – 2147287035
please go to http://www.hp.com/support for troubleshooting information about “Fatal Error” and “MSI.selfinstallingportmonitor”
the number after the …\installer\xxxxxx.ipi changes as well. Nothing useful on HP website and support staff no clue. Have ascertained after days of browsing that “2147287023″ means access denied. now at dead end.
WONDERFUL SOLUTION! Thanks so much! ATI Catalyst software 10.4 (April 2010) was not installing for me – it kept giving me an “install package failure” when I tried to update from the 10.3 drivers to 10.4. I searched the web fining no solutions that worked for me. I then tried to uninstall the Catalyst drivers NOT using the ATI uninstall tool, but using the “Programs and Features” under “Control Panel” in Windows 7. When I tried this, I got the “Error 1327. Invalid Drive :I” message. Googling that led me to your site, and the registry edits did the trick for me.
ATI’s installation error is very uninformative – it doesn’t say anything about the I: problem. In my situation, I think the I: problem is because I recently replaced a failing hard drive with a new one. The failing drive worked well enough for me to transfer files over to the new one, though, so for about an hour I had two drives hooked up to my system, and one of them must have been assigned the drive letter :I. Once I removed that failing drive, I no longer had an I:, but for some reason a few mentions of I: remained in the registry. That’s what was messing ATI up.
INVALID Drive G. After a month of this, I was so happy to find this site. After reading everyone’s successes, I was so excited. Now, very jealous, and feeling quite stupid, I am still where I began. The subst G: C:\ did not work. Typed regedit; see all HKEY_s; see no place to edit drive letter. (win7). iTunes told me to delete the old version, so now I have no access to the library, and the iPod doesn’t work (frozen in sync mode or something). Must have for my job. Help, please.
Hi Anela,
First of all i would like you to fill out the following:
-When/Where does invalid drive G appear?
-Have you tried the latest version of itunes for your windows 7 pc?
-Is your Win7 an upgrade from vista or a fresh install?
Regards,
Nikolai
Thank you so mmuch for the quick reply. So far, thank God, it’s only whenever I try to download the latest iTunes that I receive this message. The win7 is an upgrade (have had it for a while). I believe that the probleme is because, eaarlier in the year, I had an external (backup) drive to crash. Things were fine before then.
Help me, please. I just can’t fix this thing.
This worked for me. When I looked through regedit it looks like the WDSync program is what implanted all of the references to the G drive in my registry. I wonder if the WDSync will work after i change all of the references back to the C drive.
THANK YOU!!!! I have struggled for days with suddenly losing ability to install my new programs. Nothing I came across online worked, until I found the above information with tutorial. I am back in business. Thank you so much.
Ok…am i missing something? All mine says is %allusersprofile% should it say something else. I am installing a brandnew HP 8500 on a brandnew computer that i bought at the same time which has Vista…I have contacted hp and they have tried 3 times to fix this and still nothing…the printer is on my other computer which has vista and works perfect. I am trying to install it via network…i can see it but when i try to add it is get the error message we all started with or error 0×00000643. PLEASE HELP!!!!
Thanks!!
It works for me too. My problem was with Adobe Reader 9.0. I was not able to update it or uninstalled. Any time that i tried i received the error 1327. invalid drive f:
thansk again Nikolai for your post.
I did this and it all worked fine, thanks!
i just have one question, under My Computer, i have both a C: and a J: drive. if i change something on one drive does it change on the other as well? also, how do i get rid of this (go back to only having a C: drive)?
I followed the first option and a duplicate of my C: drive appeared as the J: but my install still failed (AutoDesk Maya on Vista Home Premium). what can i do?
i just have one question, under My Computer, i have both a C: and a J: drive. if i change something on one drive does it change on the other as well? also, how do i get rid of this (go back to only having a C: drive)?
you now have 2 partitions in your drive… changing somwthing on partition does not affect the other…
To merge two partitions, youll have to delete both partitions and create a new one… You can do this using you Windows Installation Disk..
The problem does not go away because I have mapped drives. The locations are perfectly valid. The solution is for software developers to NOT use registry keys where they don’t need to. I want to read PDF files. Nothing else. I ran into this with HP printer/scanner software as well. I don’t need printer/scanner software! I need drivers, and NOTHING ELSE.
It is overly complex software solutions that cause these ridiculous errors and drive people away from Windows. Developers need to check their egos at the door and deliver only the essentials.
I should note that in Windows 7 if you are using mapped drives the programs typically install under Admin mode, so it is not seeing your mapped drive. If you open you cmd prompt with run as admin option you can use the subst command with your C:\ and be in good shape. Still crapy programming on their part.
THANKS! It works!
I cannot thank you enough. I have been battling with this problem for ages, and your page has fixed it. Thank you once again.
Great advice!
Helped me a lot in removing and adding a lot of applications
Shoumit
Hong Kong
This worked, thank you so much! I can’t believe it, but the My Pictures key was directed to the wrong place and somehow that affected whether i could install and uninstall programs or not.
Dude — this just saved me hours of time. I did NOT want to edit the registry file, where I know the problem lives. This seems to be a quick fix of the symptom. Tell me where to send you $25 (PayPal)
Hi Laura!
I am glad I was able to help. Feel free to visit back if you have any computer related issues in the future.
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