Fix “Error 1321” When Installing Office 2016 or 2013

Some users may receive “Error 1321. Setup cannot modify the file” when attempting to install Microsoft Office 2016 or 2013 in Microsoft Windows. To solve this problem, try these steps.

1. Use “File Explorer” to navigate and right-click the folder that you are installing Office to. (i.e. C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office)
2. Choose “Properties“.
3. Uncheck the “Read Only” box.
4. Select the “Advanced” button.
5. In “Advanced Attributes“, ensure the “Encrypt contents to secure data” box is not checked.
   
6. Select “OK“.
7. Choose the “Security” tab.
8. Select the “Edit” button.
9. If “Everyone” is not in the list, select “Add“, then type “Everyone” to add the “Everyone” group to the list.
10. Select “OK“.
11. With “Everyone” selected, check the “Allow” box on the “Full Control” line.
12. Select “OK“, then “OK” again.
13. Navigate to “C:\ProgramData\Microsoft“.
14. Right-click the “Office” folder, then choose “Properties“.
15. Repeat steps 3 through 12 for the “Office” folder just like you did the “Microsoft Office” folder.

Close all open windows and try to install Microsoft Office again. Hopefully it installs without a hitch.

Did this tutorial fix things for you? Share your experience in the Comments section.