Error 1606: Could Not Access Network Location

Installer Errors are a common and frustrating part of installing and using software or applications on your PC. In most cases the reasons for these errors is complicated and involves understanding the specifics of how computer programming works, but thankfully the fixes to these problems are often much simpler. One installer error that is often encountered is Error 1606 and it is associated with the installation of Microsoft programs such as Office and networking issues.

Error 1606: Could Not Access Network Location

This error occurs when there is an incorrect setting in one of the registry sub-keys of the program involved. When errors occur in the registry it is best not to attempt to fix this problem on your own as the process involves some tricky programming. Your best bet for fixing this error is to try some of the simple steps outlined here which may allow you to avoid the more complicated fix.

Uninstall and Reinstall

One way that you may be able to easily fix this problem is by uninstalling any older versions of the program you may still have on your computer, or uninstalling the current version and reinstalling it. To uninstall a program

Click Start > Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall Programs

Select the program you want to uninstall from the list and click Uninstall. This may be an older version of Microsoft Office, for example. If you are uninstalling a version that you also are currently using make sure that you have the product key before beginning this step as you will need it to reinstall.

To reinstall the program either insert the CD or download the program directly from the internet. Make sure that you only download programs online that are from reputable websites. For Microsoft programs download directly from their website.

Microsoft Fix it Solution Center or Registry Repair


For program problems that are specific to the Windows operating system and Microsoft programs the company offers a Fix it Solution Center online that may help you with recurring errors such as Error 1606. You can also try downloading a Windows Registry Repair Tool, such as the one available from CNET.

Repair your IP connection

Another possible solution to this common error could be related to a networking problem and this may be fixable by changing your network settings. To fix your IP connection

Click Start

Type CMD in the search section at the bottom and select this program from the results at the top. This starts the Command Window which will appear like the older PC DOS screens.

Type ipconfig/all then press Enter

Type ipconfig/flushdns press Enter

Type ipconfig/release press Enter

Type ipconfig/renew press Enter

Type ipconfig/all press Enter

These steps will renew IP addresses for all computers on your network, but you will need system administrator rights in order to do this.

These steps should provide a simple solution to Error 1606 without the added hassle of understanding registry problems and the complicated fixes that are often associated with them.