I have been getting An error occurred installing the package. Windows Installer returned ‘1601’ while installing/updating VMware tools on 1 VM (out of like 70..) for some strange reason. Fast forward some time and its all apparent now:

Someone changed the startup type for Windows Installer service to Disabled…

Its one of those annoying things you could really could do without on a Friday evening!!

Anyways, that’s that sorted – time to pack up and leave for the day.