When installing software in Windows, what does "An error occurred during the move data process - ###" mean?

A "move data process" error generally indicates a problem with installing or updating a program in Windows. The three-digit number after the dash (represented by the three #s in the title) can vary, but some common ones are 106, 113, 115, 119, and 132.

This error can indicate a number of different problems:

• You may have two installations running at the same time. Click OK in the error message dialog box to cancel the current installation and revert to the original.
  
  
• Your computer may be out of hard drive space. Check how much space you have available versus how much space the program needs to install properly.
  
  
• You may have too many files in your TEMP directory. If this is the case, delete or move all unnecessary files in the TEMP directory.
  
  
• The file system on your computer may be corrupt. To fix this, run the ScanDisk utility on your hard drive. Set ScanDisk to perform a thorough scan on both the system and data files.
  
  
• The CD, downloaded file, floppy disk, or other media you are using to install the program may be corrupt or damaged. Try looking for scratches or smudges on the CD, downloading the program again, running ScanDisk on the floppy disk, or getting a new copy of the CD or floppy disk.
  
  
• You may have an older version of the program installed on the computer with file permissions set so the new version can't update it. In that case, try uninstalling the older version first, and then installing the newer version. You may also need to have administrative rights to install the program if you are using Windows NT 4.0, 2000, or XP Professional.

Note: At Indiana University, the University Information Security Office (UISO) recommends that you normally refrain from running your Windows computer as an administrator. For more, see What is the principle of least privilege?

If none of these suggestions helps, consult the technical support service of the program you are trying to install or update.

Also see:

• In Windows 2000, XP, and Vista, how can I check a disk for errors?
• In Windows, how do I check the size of a drive, disk, partition, or folder?
• In Windows, when trying to execute a program, why do I receive the message "Drive or network connection that the shortcut refers to is unavailable"?
• How do I download and install software from IUware Online?