Mac Office 2011 Update 14.2.4: "Error encountered installation failed".

Anonymous
2012-09-20T03:41:05+00:00

I have tried installing the latest update of Mac Office 2011 which is version 14.2.4, however, at the end of the installation I get a message "error encountered installation failed".

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Anonymous
2012-09-27T23:51:01+00:00

Hi everyone!

Thanks to everyone who sent installation logs for this issue.  There are two separate 14.2.4 installation issues that have shown up in this thread.

The first issue (and most common in this thread) stems from re-installing on top of existing installations. In general, don’t do this. Re-installing on top of existing installations can re-introduce files that should not be present. If you need to re-install, please be sure to remove Office 2011 as described on the following links:

Video | Uninstall Office 2011

Step-by-Step Instructions | How to completely remove Office for Mac 2011

One workaround for the 14.2.4 update that has helped some users is to temporarily move or rename the /Library/Automator folder. You can do this by following the steps below:

  1. With Finderopen, choose Go > Go to Folder...
  2. Type in the following path and then click Go:

/Library 3. Find the Automator folder, select it, and then click the name of the folder again to Rename the folder. Name the folder Automator_OldNote: OS X may prompt you for your password. This is normal. 4. Attempt to install the 14.2.4 update again. 5. If the update installs correctly, rename the Automator_Old folder back to its original name: Automator

If that solution does not work and you know you have re-installed Office 2011 on top of an existing Office 2011 installation, you’ll need to remove Office 2011 properly and re-install. 

The second issue was some users changed the size of the /tmp/ directory on their machine which was too small for the update to fully install. Re-sizing the /tmp/ directory resolved the install issue for these users.

If you're still experiencing issues installing the 14.2.4 update, please create your own thread by choosing **Ask a question...**at the top of this page. Be sure to include details about which solutions you've already tried.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-09-20T18:32:20+00:00

    Hi everyone,

    I'm sorry that you're having issues getting the 14.2.4 update installed. So we can better understand the issue, I'll need to get some more information about each of your systems.

    If you could, please reply back with the following information:

    1. If you click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and choose About this Mac, what version of OS X are you currently running? (e.g. 10.7.4)
    2. With About this Mac still open, click the More Info... button. What model Mac are you currently installing this update on? (e.g. MacBook Pro 17-inch, Mid 2010)
    3. Do you currently have FileVault enabled?
    4. Are the Office applications currently opening correctly?
    5. If applications can open, open Word and choose Word > About Word from the Menu Bar. What Version and Latest Installed Update is listed? (See below)

    6. Create a new user account and test installing the update. Ensure that the user name you create is a single word with no spaces. For example, rather than using “Test Account” for a user name, only use “Test”. For instructions on how to create a new user account on your Mac, visit *Testing your user account to troubleshoot Office for Mac applications*”.

    Thanks for your patience and assistance!

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-09-20T14:30:29+00:00

    I also tried logging in with no login items and it still fails.

    Also this thread:

    Mac Office 14.2.4 install failed

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-09-20T11:12:55+00:00

    I tried what you suggested but I still got the same message... installation failed...

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-09-20T04:37:53+00:00
    1. Try going to Microsoft's Web site > support Downloads.
    2. down the update.
    3. Restart computer in Safe-Mode (Shift)⇧-S.
    4. after you sign in and completely loads locate the installer you just downloaded.
    5. double click to open the .dmg file.
    6. when window opens run installer.

    Sometimes some components of Microsoft runs in the background and interfers with install.

    See if it will install.

    Come back and let us know what happens.

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