Error -12: SDK Error When Building a LabVIEW Installer or Installing LabVIEW

Updated Jan 13, 2023

Reported In

Software

  • LabVIEW Base
  • LabVIEW Full
  • LabVIEW Professional
  • LabVIEW Application Builder Module

Operating System

  • Windows

Issue Details

When I build my installer or am installing LabVIEW, I am getting the following error:

Error: Windows SDK function returned an error. (Error code -12)



How can I fix this?

Solution

This error is a generic error, and can have different causes.

Some causes reported to NI are:
  • The .NET Framework needs to be updated to at least the .NET 3.0 Framework Service Pack (SP) 2. You can download this and other versions of the .NET Framework from Microsoft's™ website. The .NET Framework 3.5 SP 1 is available here: Download Details: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1.
  • A security software package (e.g. a antivirus software) is blocking LabVIEW. Adding LabVIEW.exe as an exception or disabling security software should resolve the issue.  
  • The installer is being built on a network drive.  Change the Installer destination in the Build Specification to be on a local drive or USB stick.