Fix “NSIS Error writing temporary file” for downloaded installers on Windows

If you get an “NSIS Error. Error writing temporary file” it is because something is wrong with the way the NullSoft System Installer Script was written or it is having a problem with temp folder settings or access to them on your PC.

There are some solutions here, on the NullSoft site: Why_do_I_get_NSIS_Error – but if none of them help here is my work-around:

1) find the downloads folder by searching from the Windows Start Button – there may be more than one location, this depends on your Web Browser’s settings, for example for Chrome it is probably C:\Users\username\Favorites\Downloads (see Settings,Advanced).

2) Right-click on the downloaded installer file, move the mouse cursor over Send to and choose Compressed (zipped) Folder from the list of options.

3) There should now be a compressed folder in the downloads folder with a similar name to the original installer file, open it up and double-click on the installer file within it – it should now run!

You may find that having done this once, subsequent downloaded installs run ok!