Fix Windows 7 Error 1606

Error 1606: Could Not Access Network Location

While installing programs like Adobe Acrobat, Java and ITunes on Windows 7, you may receive the above error. In such situation, the installation program automatically pauses and shows the above error.

The error persists because any or both the following registry sub keys are broken:

i. HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerUser Shell Foldersii. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerUser Shell Folders

Solutions:

1. Fix the Registry using a Registry Fixing Software2. Manually Repair the Broken Sub Keys in the Registry3. Download Patch4. Change Microsoft Office Installation Root Directory in the Registry5. Backup and Delete Microsoft Office Registry Entries Temporarily

Fix the Registry using a Registry Fixing Software

Not only the above sub keys but also more such types of broken sub keys can be fixed using a good registry fixing program. A registry cleanup tool will first of all scan the entire or some portion of the registry for hidden Windows problems. Then, it will correct the Windows 7 Error 1606. To regularly maintain your registry in good health, you should run a registry scan at least once a week.

Manually Repair the Broken Sub Keys in the Registry

1. Click Start Run.2. Type RegEdit, and press ENTER.3. Navigate here: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerUser Shell Folders4. Right click the key Recent, and select Delete option. [What you need to do is delete the key containing the path displayed in the error message.]5. If the error still persists, then do the same Steps 1 to 4 under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.6. Close Registry Editor, and restart the computer.

Download Patch

Microsoft has released a fix-it for Windows 7 Error 1606 that automatically resolves the problem for you. You can get it here. After the download completes, run it and follow the instructions on your screen.

Change Microsoft Office Installation Root Directory in the Registry

1. Click Start Run.2. Type RegEdit, and press ENTER.3. Navigate here: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftOffice[Version Number]CommonInstallRoot4. Double click the string named Path. [If there is no such string named Path, then create a new one.]5. Enter the root installation directory of Microsoft Office. Following are the examples:a. Office 2000 – C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOfficeb. Office XP (2002) – C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice10c. Office 2003 – C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice11d. Office 2007 – C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice126. Press ENTER or click OK.7. For every version number found in the registry, do Steps 4 and 5.

Backup and Delete Microsoft Office Registry Entries Temporarily

Before running the installation program for the software that is showing the error 1606, backup and delete the registry entries for Microsoft Office software.

1. Click Start Run.2. Type RegEdit, and press ENTER.3. Navigate here: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftOffice4. Right click the sub key Office, and select Export option.5. You will be asked a location to save the registry entries in a.reg file.6. Type C:Backup_MSOffice_Registry.reg and press ENTER.7. Wait till the backing-up procedure is finished.8. Right click the sub key Office, and click Delete option.9. Confirm the action when prompted.10. Close Registry Editor.11. Run the installation program for the software you were getting the Error 1606. It shall not display the error anymore.12. Restore Registry Editor.13. Click My Computer.14. Double click the drive C.15. Double click the file named Backup_MSOffice_Registry.reg, and confirm the action of merging the information from the file to the system registry.