FAQ
TL;DR: Facing Delphi 2015 R3 "Unknown error during init"? A 1‑step fix—"install Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2 and it went for me"—plus deleting Delphi’s AppData folders can resolve it. [Elektroda, szatan54, post #19216180]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Delphi 2015 R3 installers quickly diagnose and fix a stubborn init error without guesswork.
Quick Facts
- The hosts file is system-wide, not per-user; editing it affects all accounts. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17023699]
- Hosts is unlikely to influence this error; it isn’t a firewall or installer gate. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17024240]
- Recommended cleanup: rename the wyUpdate executable and remove Delphi entries from the registry. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17026842]
- Typical path referenced during cleanup: C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\System Certificates\My. [Elektroda, marioodkrywca, post #17025702]
- Confirmed fixes: install Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2, or install offline with internet disabled. [Elektroda, darek640, post #19216898]
Is the hosts file causing the "Unknown error during init"?
Unlikely. "I doubt he would have any role in connection with the above installation error." The hosts file mainly affects name resolution. It is not an app-specific firewall, and clearing or editing it rarely impacts MSI-based installers. Focus on installer components and leftover configuration instead of hosts tweaks. If you edited hosts previously, restore it to a clean state and retry the installer. Prioritize other remedies like registry cleanup, renaming wyUpdate, or installing SQL Server Compact. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17024240]
Is the hosts file user-specific or shared system-wide?
It is shared system-wide. "The hosts file is independent of the user account - common to all accounts." Creating a new Windows user will not change hosts behavior. If your installation issue persists across users, troubleshoot installer prerequisites and leftover Delphi data instead. Keep the hosts file standard unless you have a clear DNS requirement. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17023699]
How do I fix the error by installing Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2?
Install Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2, then delete Delphi folders under AppData and Application Data. "Just install Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 Service Pack 2 and it went for me." One user reported success without creating a new user or changing hosts. This targets missing lightweight database components some installers expect. Reboot and run the Delphi setup again after cleanup. [Elektroda, szatan54, post #19216180]
Can disabling the internet during installation help?
Yes. One user fixed the issue by turning off the internet before running the installer. Disable Wi‑Fi or unplug Ethernet, then launch setup. Some installers hang or fail during online checks; offline mode avoids those calls. Re-enable networking after installation completes. [Elektroda, darek640, post #19216898]
Should I try creating a new Windows user for a clean install?
It can help isolate profile-specific leftovers. "It will be the fastest to install it on the new user's account." You can transfer your data and remove the old account afterward. However, this is only one approach. If the error persists, proceed with deeper cleanup and component checks. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17023699]
What if creating a new user still shows the same error?
That can happen. The original poster confirmed the same error on a fresh user profile. In that case, dig deeper: remove Delphi registry entries, rename the wyUpdate component, install SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2, or try an offline install. This combination addresses system-wide and installer prerequisites. [Elektroda, marioodkrywca, post #17025702]
How do I clean Delphi leftovers and handle wyUpdate before reinstalling?
Use this 3‑step process:
- Close the Delphi installer and any related processes.
- Rename the wyUpdate executable to a different name.
- Check the registry for Delphi entries and delete them carefully.
This removes conflicting remnants and sidesteps updater checks. "Change the name and additionally check the register... delete all." Then rerun the installer. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17026842]
Which user profile does the System Certificates path apply to?
Target the profile where Delphi was installed. The guidance about cleaning c:\users\\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\System Certificates\My refers to the Windows user used during the Delphi installation. If unsure, clean the profile you used to run the installer. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17025776]
What should I rename wyUpdate to?
Any other name. The goal is to prevent the updater from running as expected during setup. For example, change wyupdate.exe to wyupdate_old.exe. "For any other." Then run the installer again. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17029292]
Which AppData folders should I delete when troubleshooting?
Delete Delphi-related folders from AppData and Application Data in your user profile. One user combined this with installing Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2 and succeeded without creating a new user or editing hosts. Remove only Delphi folders to avoid breaking other apps. [Elektroda, szatan54, post #19216180]
Why does the error appear on one computer but not another?
It can be machine-specific. The original poster reported failure on one PC while another installed fine. Differences in installed components, registry state, or network policies can trigger the error. Address prerequisites and clean old traces to normalize environments. [Elektroda, marioodkrywca, post #17023572]
Is the Windows hosts file a firewall-like blocker for installers?
No. "Hosts is nothing like a file with blocking addresses for a firewall." It maps hostnames to IPs and does not function as a network filter. Clearing or editing it rarely fixes installer initialization problems. Focus on registry cleanup, wyUpdate renaming, SQL CE 3.5 SP2, or offline install strategies instead. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17024240]
