Network Management

Resolving SolarWinds Platform Installation Error 1721 Related to Oracle ODBC Driver Uninstall

Error 1721 occurs during SolarWinds Platform installation when the Oracle ODBC driver uninstall executable fails to run. This stops the installation process and may cause the Web Console not to start. The issue can be resolved by verifying the uninstall executable, checking permissions, disabling antivirus, manually uninstalling the driver, or using a registry bypass as a last resort. Post-installation verification of IIS and SolarWinds services is essential.

First published date

10/24/2025 3:47 PM

Last published date

7/10/2026 10:48 PM

Overview

During the installation of the SolarWinds Platform, users may encounter Error 1721, indicating a problem with the Windows Installer package. This error specifically arises when the installer attempts to remove the Oracle ODBC driver but cannot run the required uninstall executable. This problem typically occurs on the server where SolarWinds is being installed and affects administrators or IT personnel responsible for the installation. The failure halts the installation process and can result in the SolarWinds Web Console failing to launch, impacting monitoring and management capabilities.

 

Product section

Orion Platform

Cause

  • The executable might be missing, corrupted, or blocked by insufficient permissions or antivirus/security software.
  • The Windows Installer attempted to run a custom action to uninstall the Oracle ODBC driver but failed because the uninstall executable (odbc_uninstall.exe) could not run properly.
  • This failure prevents the installer from proceeding because it expects the Oracle ODBC driver to be cleanly removed before continuing.
  • Using a registry key to bypass the uninstall step can allow installation to complete but may cause incomplete installation or configuration issues, such as the Web Console not starting.

Resolution

Resolution:
  1. Verify the uninstall executable
    • Confirm that C:\Program Files\SolarWinds\Orion\OracleOdbcDriver\odbc_uninstall.exe exists and is not corrupted.
    • Restore it from backup or reinstall the Oracle ODBC driver if missing or damaged.
  2. Check permissions
    • Run the installer as Administrator.
    • Ensure SYSTEM and your user account have full control over the OracleOdbcDriver folder and uninstall executable.
  3. Disable antivirus/security software temporarily
    • Some security software may block the uninstall executable from running. Disable them during installation.
  4. Manually uninstall the Oracle ODBC driver
    • Use Windows Apps & Features or Programs and Features to uninstall.
    • If not listed, use Oracle’s uninstall tools or manually remove related files and registry entries.
  5. Repair or reinstall Windows Installer service
    • Run these commands from an elevated command prompt:
      msiexec /unregister
      msiexec /regserver
  6. Use registry key bypass only as a last resort
    • Add a registry key to skip uninstalling the Oracle ODBC driver if uninstall executable fails.
    • After installation, manually verify Oracle ODBC driver does not interfere.
    • Check SolarWinds logs and services to ensure Web Console components are installed and running.
  7. Check SolarWinds logs for additional errors
    • Review installation logs in %TEMP% or the SolarWinds install directory for clues.
    • Verify IIS is running and SolarWinds website is configured correctly.
  8. Reboot the server
    • Restart to ensure all services and IIS reset properly.
  9. After installation, validate SAM DB oracle applications templates, functionality, since a change on Oracle driver could affect behavior on templates using this driver.