Error Code 1608 during SQL Server install?

Question

I get the following error early during my SQL Server 2008 R2 installation:

MsiGetProductInfo failed to retrieve ProductVersion for package with Product Code = '{AEB9948B-4FF2-47C9-990E-47014492A0FE}'. Error code: 1608.

How can I proceed with my installation?

Solution

1. Get the Product Code = '{AEB9948B-4FF2-47C9-990E-47014492A0FE}'
2. Reverse the first segment of the GUID. For example: B8499BEA
3. Search under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\UpgradeCodes and find a matching Value
4. Export the parent key (optional, but remember what happened the last time you didn't?)
5. Delete the exported key

Repeat installation and repeat steps above if it complains about a different GUID.

Source