Solution: When CCleaner won't install (Windows)
First start by reading the official documentation for solutions to install problems.
Windows 10:
Do not rename the downloaded installer file, for example if it's named <em><span style="color:#000080;">ccsetup561.exe</span></em> leave it as is. If the installer file is renamed to something else such as <span style="color:#ff0000;">CCleaner v561.exe</span>, etc., there's a chance the installation will fail. This is specifically on Windows 10 computers.
Special Note:
Microsoft Windows 10 will not allow you to use old versions of CCleaner.
Error opening file for writing:
Screenshot:
If when attempting to update CCleaner to a newer version you encounter an error dialog that reads <strong>Error opening file for writing</strong> try these instructions by Nergal to remedy the issue:
On 16/12/2018 at 13:11, Nergal said:<div class="ipsQuote_contents" data-gramm="false"> <p> This warning is usually accompanied by ccleaner still running. Make sure ccleaner is fully exited including smart clean monitoring. Check task manager for ccleaner.exe or ccleaner64.exe. Kill those instances then manully delete the file c:\program files\ccleaner\ccleaner.exe (or the file listed in the error message). Finally click retry. </p> </div>
Other possible solutions when CCleaner won't install:
- Make sure the installer file isn't named CCleaner.exe, if it is rename it to the original filename, example: ccsetup561.exe
- Make sure the installer file ends with the .exe extension.
- Download and save the installer file into your Downloads folder and start the installation from there, don't select Open or Run from within your web browser. Credits go to Hazelnut for this tip.
- Exit running programs that may interfere, or temporarily disable them, i.e.; antivirus software, etc. Note: Under normal circumstances you should not have to do this.
- Make sure CCleaner isn't already running. To find out if it is open Task Manager to see if it's in the list of running processes. This is important since it can help remedy installation failure and a proceeding dialog that reads as Error opening file for writing.
- Reboot/restart your computer.
- Cold boot (aka "hard boot" or "dead start") your computer. To do this shutdown/turn off your computer, and then turn it on.
- Try to install CCleaner in Safe Mode. Credits go to Hazelnut for this tip.
- Make sure the installer isn't trying to install into a non-standard location. Credits go to srom for this tip.
- Try a clean installation of CCleaner. To do this uninstall CCleaner, restart your computer, and then reinstall CCleaner. Note: Doing this will cause you to lose your CCleaner configuration such as Cookies to Keep, etc., and you'll have to reconfigure it with your preferences. Warning: If in the past you've had considerable difficulty getting CCleaner to successfully install do not uninstall your working version.
- If the above attempts fail download the Portable version of CCleaner, then unzip it to use CCleaner, you can even unzip it into the folder where an older version of CCleaner is installed to update it. Note: If you update an old already installed version using the Portable version make sure you delete the portable.dat file (which will be located in the same folder you unzipped CCleaner into) before launching the new version of CCleaner.
- If you're still having issues after trying everything listed above post a bug report.
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Hazelnut found this external post about another won’t install cause, and the solution:
If you have <strong>DEP</strong> or <strong>ASLR</strong> set to <strong>Always On</strong> please read this post by safeguy on Wilders Security forum:
https://www.wilderssecurity.com/threads/ccleaner-v4-04-4197.350964/#post-2258761
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Also Important:
If manually updating, only download CCleaner from the official website: