Summary

Using transforms and/or Minor Upgrades causes Windows Installer Error 2254

Symptoms

Using transforms and/or Minor Upgrades causes Windows Installer Error 2254: Database: [2] Transform: Cannot update row that does not exist. Table: [3].

Cause

This runtime error can be caused using language transforms during a Minor Upgrade. You cannot expect to apply another transform during a maintenance operation, the original transform will be re applied. When you run as a Minor Upgrade, the *.msi package is expected to be recached before applying transforms. The existing transform as well as the latest language transform are both applied since this is a maintenance operation.

If the language transform is modified in a way to remove table data between Minor Upgrade versions the Minor Upgrade may exhibit the runtime error.

Resolution

1. Perform a Major Upgrade.
2. Revert any changes made to the language transform especially changes made to an *.mst without the use of InstallShield.
3. Ensure the 'Modify Missing Row' validation bit is set. In a Transform Project the flag is under Projects -> Settings menu.

Related Documents

Adding a Major Upgrade Item

Additional Information

The error is documented by Microsoft in the following link: Windows Installer Error Messages