Unable to install Paradox Launcher v2

[MinimumSky5]

Hello

I've had issues with the paradox launcher while attempting to run Vicky 3 ever since installing 1.6.1 (upgrading from 1.5.12). After launching from Steam, I'd get no response from my system from several minutes, and it seems something failed very early on in the launch process. I've attempted to use the advice posted on this thread: [link removed as forum was complaining about spam]
This has now lead to the Paradox launcher installer attempting to reinstall the launcher every time I try to launch Vicky, but it fails almost immediately after clicking the Install button, resulting in this screen from the Wizard:

I've attempted to use both the Microsoft tool listed in the linked thread, and the Control Panel, to remove the old launcher, but it still seems to get stuck.
I've tried to add the log file as both an attachment and as a link, but the forum claimed I was spamming

 

[AndrewT]

If you see msiexec OR Paradox Launcher running in Task manager-processes, kill it and try this launcher install again please.


If still no good, do you see Paradox Launcher v2 in the Windows Control Panel to uninstall? If so does it uninstall cleanly, or get an error doing that? You can use this MS tool to clear the stuck install/uninstall:

Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed - Microsoft Support

The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter helps you automatically repair issues when you're blocked from installing or removing programs.

support.microsoft.com

THEN Please try this:

uninstall Paradox Launcher v2 from the Windows "Apps and features" utility, if still present.


Delete the following folders if still present:

C:/users/{userName}/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/
C:/users/{userName}/AppData/Local/Paradox Interactive/
C:/users/{userName}/AppData/Roaming/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2/
To see the AppData folder you'll need to enable View Hidden Items in File Explorer.


exit the Steam app entirely
run steam.exe as the Windows Admin user
run the game from the PLAY button in Steam


IF that doesn't help, in this folder are some .log files:
C:/users/{userName}/AppData/Local/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2/
Please attach them here.

Note that you can run victoria3.exe directly from File Explorer, which bypasses the launcher.

 

[MinimumSky5]

I've attempted to use these methods and I'm still getting the same error, I have attached the log files from the installer below.

 

[AndrewT]

Yes, there is still a stuck install or uninstall in the Windows msiexec area. I am surprised that MS tool did not help with that, you definitely tried it?

If so you may have to also try the free utilities Ccleaner and Revo Uninstaller, to remove all trace of the launcher and/or whatever else is stuck there.

 

[MinimumSky5]

The Microsoft tool is asking for a product key as it isn't able to autodetect the launcher, and Ccleaner is also unable to see anything. I tried Revo Uninstaller but I think the required tool is only on the Pro version.

 

[AndrewT]

That's pretty bad then.

Make a new Windows user on this computer and log into it with that - does the installer work there?

 

[stimmybear]

Hi I am having a similar problem, here is my log file. Can you please diagnose and help!!

 

[AndrewT]

Hi I am having a similar problem, here is my log file. Can you please diagnose and help!!

In future please make your own new thread, thanks - similar symptoms may come from different causes.

Did you go through everything in post #2?

 

[stimmybear]

In future please make your own new thread, thanks - similar symptoms may come from different causes.

Did you go through everything in post #2?

Yes, I did every step and even repeated attempts. Uninstalled and deleted folders, Steam on admin, etc.

 

[AndrewT]

Yes, I did every step and even repeated attempts. Uninstalled and deleted folders, Steam on admin, etc.

That's odd because that MS tool usually gets past that 1603/5 error.

Make a new Windows user on this PC and try it under that - any better?