Windows Error: TARGETDIR is undefined, the Directory table seems malformed. Aborting...

Issue Details

When installing NI software on Microsoft Windows, the installer aborts with the following error dialog:

Error TARGETDIR is undefined, the Directory table seems malformed. Aborting...

Solution

This error occurs because the required target directory does not exist, or the current user does not have access to it. Depending on the type of software being installed, follow the relevant section below.

When Installing NI Software

The installer requires access to a specific folder in the Public directory on your hard drive. On some Windows computers, this folder does not get created during the installation, causing this error. Verify that the C:\Users\Public\Documents folder exists.

If the C:\Users\Public\Documents folder is present, delete the folder and recreate it using the following steps:

Note: It is imperative to follow these steps exactly. Creating the folder manually does not allow Windows to detect it correctly.

1. From the Windows search box, launch Command Prompt.
2. Navigate to the correct folder by typing the following:
   1. Change to root directory: cd\
   2. Change to users directory: cd users
   3. Change to public subdirectory: cd public
   4. Verify, that the folder documents does not exist: dir
3. If this folder does not exist, continue with these steps by typing the following (see picture below):
   1. Create a new documents folder: md documents
   2. Verify that the folder was created successfully: dir

Note that Windows XP computers will also fail if the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents folder does not exist. If it does exist, please contact NI Technical Support
 

When Installing a LabVIEW Built Executable

1. In the LabVIEW project, right-click the installer under Build Specifications and select Properties.

2. In the pop-up window, select the Destinations page.

3. Verify on the deployment machine that:
   1. The parent destination folder exists.
   2. You have sufficient permissions to create the destination folder.