#702 219 3.5 32-bit Installer does not find Python registry key

Hi there,

I've just installed Python 3.5.0 on my Windows 7 box, followed by Python for Windows Extensions 219 for Python 3.5. All worked well.

However, I then successfully installed Python 3.5.0 32-bit and attempted to install Python for Windows Extensions 219 for Python 3.5 32-bit. The installer produced the error message "Python 3.5 required, which was not found in the registry". The following window would not allow me to enter any characters into "Python Directory" or "Installation Directory".

This was not a problem with version 3.4. The keys installed by Python 3.5 have changed and it appears that the 32-bit Python for Windows Extension 219 for Python 3.5 installer does not recognise any of these keys or at least the key it is supposed to.

[Anonymous]

Additional info:

By surveillance of the installation process with Process Monitor, it appears that the installer first opens the registry key HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Python\PythonCore and successfully reads the sub-key 3.5-32, thus determining the currently installed version.

However, the installer then attempts to read the key HKCU\Software\Python\PythonCore, which does not exist on my PC after a fresh installation of Python 3.5 32-bit, and thus fails.

[Mark Hammond]

I haven't had a chance to play with that yet, but the above is what I expect for all versions of 32bit Python - ie, the key under Wow6432Node should exist bit the one directly under Software/Python will not. Whether that is HKCU or HKLM depends on if Python was installed "for all users" or "just for me"

[Anonymous]

Thanks Mark.

For further info, and in order to replicate the problem, my install config for Python 3.5 32-bit is:

Optional Features: only tcl/tk and IDLE checked.

Advanced Options: only Install for all users, Create shortcuts for installed applications, and Precompile standard library checked, plus Install location changed to C:\Program Files (x86)\Python (i.e. without the version number).

Unchecking "Install for all users" on installation results in the same "not found in the registry" error generated by the Python for Windows Extensions 219 for Python 3.5 32-bit installer.

[Patrick Vrijlandt]

Hello Mark and others,

My workaround:
In HKLM\SOFTWARE\Python\PythonCore, copy "3.5-32" and subkeys to "3.5"

What I actually did was:
Export in regedit HKLM\SOFTWARE\Python\PythonCore\3.5-32 and subkeys
Replace in an editor "3.5-32" by "3.5"
Import the resulting registry file again (by doubleclicking on it).

Now the installer can find the installation.

[Anonymous]

Thanks very much Patrick, that works for me.

Just a reminder for those installing the 32-bit version of Python on 64-bit Windows systems: the registry key to edit is at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Python\PythonCore\3.5-32 - a simple regedit rename of that key to ...\3.5 does the trick.

[perpiscuous]

Thanks hydrurgax and Patrick.
Ran into this problem myself today.
Your registry key rename works perfectly for me.