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Troubleshooting Tableau Desktop Installation Issues

When I try to download I get a Windows Installer error.

If you get a windows installer error when downloading the install file, it is probably because you clicked Run instead of Save when prompted with the security warning.

To fix the problem:

  1. Return to the Tableau Software Download Center
  2. Click on the product description for your Tableau Desktop Product.
  3. Click the HTTPS Download button.
  4. Click Save in the File Download-Security Warning dialog box.
  5. When the install file is downloaded, double click the file to begin the installation.

I get a 2755 error that says: The installer has encountered an unexpected error installing this package. This may indicate a problem with this package.

This error is given when you save the install file to an encrypted folder. The installer cannot run if the install file is encrypted, for example with Microsoft Encrypted File System (EFS).

To fix the problem:

  1. Right-click the install file and select Properties.
  2. Click the Advanced button in the Attributes section of the dialog box.
  3. Uncheck the Encrypt contents to secure data check box.
  4. Click OK twice to close the dialog boxes.
  5. Double-click the install file to try to install again.

I installed Tableau but was not prompted to enter my license key; now the application won't start.

If you install Tableau and are not prompted to enter your license key, it may be because the software is recognizing an expired trial license key. You can manually open the license key dialog box.

To fix the problem:

  1. Select Start > Run.
  2. Type the following into the Run dialog box: C:\Program Files\Tableau\Tableau 3.6\bin\licenseui.exe then click OK.
  3. Register your license by typing your Company Name, Name, and Email address.


I entered my license key and now the application will not start.

If you entered any information other than the license key into the License Key dialog box (e.g., email address, company name, etc.), the application will not be able to launch.

To fix the problem:

  1. Open C:\Program Files\Tableau\Tableau v3.6\bin
  2. Double-click licenseui.exe
  3. Enter your license key into the License Key dialog box. Make sure not to enter any other information.
  4. Click OK.
  5. Launch Tableau.

When I try to install Tableau, I get cabinet file errors.

Cabinet file errors typically occur when the install file has been corrupted in some way.

To fix the problem:

  1. Delete the install file from your computer.
  2. Return to the Tableau Software Download Center.
  3. Click on the Product Description for for your Tableau Software Desktop product.
  4. Click the HTTPS Download button.
  5. Click Save in the File Download-Security Warning dialog box.
  6. When the install file is downloaded, double-click the file to try the installation again.