WPI PHP Manager installation failure

I have noticed a few questions on forums.iis.net related to being unable to install PHP Manager using the Web Platform Installer. The WPI logs are usually pretty good at showing why an install failed. In this instance, the following was listed:

ERROR : [01/24/2014 09:37:49:386] [VsdLaunchConditions ]: Custom Action failed with code: ‘1603’
INFO : [01/24/2014 09:37:49:386] [VsdLaunchConditions ]: Custom Action completed with return code: ‘1603’

This return code points to an issue with the MSI installer and I was unable to locate anything even remotely associated with what was causing the failure after multiple web searches. In the same forums thread, another user mentioned performing a manual install of PHP Manager on the same server and received a much more descriptive and helpful error. The install failed stating that .Net Framework v2.0 is required.

The .Net framework versions are not enabled by default on the newer server operating systems. To remedy this issue, use the Add Roles and Features option within Server Manager. Add the .NET Framework 3.5 Features (and any required dependencies). Once you have completed this install, you will be able to successfully install PHP Manager using WPI.

Terri is a Microsoft MVP (ASP .NET/IIS), an MCSA: Windows Server 2012, and a Support Specialist at OrcsWeb, a hosted server company providing managed hosting solutions

11 thoughts on “WPI PHP Manager installation failure”

  1. “To remedy this issue, use the Add Roles and Features option within Server Manager. Add the .NET Framework 3.5 Features (and any required dependencies).”

    What does this mean? I went to the IIS Manager, but I didn’t find anything like this.

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    1. This has to be added using the Server Manager rather than IIS Manager. Open Server Manager, click Manage/ Add Roles and Features. Click Next on the Before you begin, Select installation type, Select destination server, and the Select server roles pages. Place a check beside .NET Framework 3.5 Features on the Select features page. Click Add Features if you get a pop-up page then click Next. Click Install on the Confirm installation selections. Once the installation has completed, you should then be able to install PHP Manager.

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  2. Terri, I am having this same problem, but I have IIS 8.5 with .NET Framework 4.5 installed. Is .NET Framework 3.5 still needed? Is there any problem with having both frameworks installed? Thanks.

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    1. Hi. Sorry for the delay in responding. Yes, .Net 3.5 is still required. There is not any problem having multiple frameworks installed.

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  3. Getting the 1603 error in install log when I try to install php manager. Running windows 10, which uses IIS 10. I have installed .NET frameworks 2-3.5 using windows features. This has not resolved the issue. Something tells me it’s because the manager is incredibly outdated, and needs an update.

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    1. This is because the version number 10 isn’t recognized as > 7. The hex is 0xa for version 10. You can, at your own risk, edit the registry to reflect version 8 or 9 and PHP Manager will install successfully. For testing purposes, I updated the version number, installed PHP Manager, then changed the version number back. PHP Manager still works on the test box that I performed these steps on.

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  4. Hi,

    Same problem. IIS 10 but cannot install php manager. Please assist. .Net is enabled. Not sure where the Server Manager is to mke changes as mention:
    “This has to be added using the Server Manager rather than IIS Manager. Open Server Manager, click Manage/ Add Roles and Features. Click Next on the Before you begin, Select installation type, Select destination server, and the Select server roles pages. Place a check beside .NET Framework 3.5 Features on the Select features page. Click Add Features if you get a pop-up page then click Next. Click Install on the Confirm installation selections. Once the installation has completed, you should then be able to install PHP Manager.”

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    1. What operating system are you running? Windows 10 or Server 2016? For Windows 10, run Turn Windows Features on or off. Enable .Net Framework 3.5.

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