Symptoms

When trying to install FineReader PDF, the following error message appears: 

The installation was interrupted before ABBYY FineReader could be installed. One or more errors occurred during the program installation. Please contact our technical support. A detailed description of the error can be found below: An error occurred during the installation or initialization of the FineReader package: An error occurred while creating the directory C:\ProgramData\ABBYY\FineReader.

Cause

The installer is unable to create or access the required FineReader PDF folder: C:\ProgramData\ABBYY\FineReader, which may be caused by insufficient permissions or security software blocking changes in this location.

Resolution

Please try the following:

1. Open C:\ProgramData\ABBYY.
2. If the FineReader folder exists, right-click it > Properties > Security and make sure that your Windows account, Administrators, and SYSTEM have full permissions to access and modify the folder (grant Full Control permissions > click Apply and OK)

3. Make sure there are no remaining FineReader PDF folders from the previous installation: 
   C:\temp\FR16

   C:\ProgramData\ABBYY\FineReader\16

   C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\ABBYY\FineReader\16

   C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\ABBYY\FineReader\16

   C:\Program Files\Common Files\ABBYY\FineReader\16

   C:\Program Files\ABBYY FineReader 16
   Note: The ProgramData and AppData folders may be hidden.

4. Disable antivirus software installed on your computer.

5. Download a fresh distribution kit of the latest version of the application:  Download links for FineReader PDF 16.

6. Start the installation process by right-clicking on the downloaded file and selecting Run as administrator.

7. Enable antivirus software.