This setting prevents Windows Installer from recording the original state of the system and sequence of changes it makes during installation. It also prevents Windows Installer from retaining files it intends to delete later. As a result, Windows Installer cannot restore the computer to its original state if the installation does not complete.

This setting is designed to reduce the amount of temporary disk space required to install programs. Also, it prevents malicious users from interrupting an installation to gather data about the internal state of the computer or to search secure system files. However, because an incomplete installation can render the system or a program inoperable, do not use this setting unless it is essential.

This setting appears in the Computer Configuration and User Configuration folders. If the setting is enabled in either folder, it is considered be enabled, even if it is explicitly disabled in the other folder.

Prevent Windows Installer from Rolling Back an Install

1. Type gpedit.msc in the Start menu’s search box and then press Enter.

   Note: This guide shows you how to make changes to Windows 7 using Group Policy. Group Policy is not available in Home versions of Windows 7.

2. Navigate to User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and then select Windows Installer in the left column of the Group Policy editor.

   ^[1]

3. Double-click Prohibit rollback in the Settings section of the Group Policy editor.
4. Select Enable and then click OK to save the changes.

   ^[2]