Fix FSX Error 1335 by identifying a bad DVD, optical-drive read fault or corrupt local installer, then complete the boxed or Steam install safely.
FSX Error 1335 means Windows Installer cannot read or extract a required cabinet file. For boxed FSX, clean and copy both DVDs to a local folder, then run setup.exe as administrator. If a disc produces a CRC or data error while copying, use another optical drive or undamaged legitimate media.
What causes Error 1335 in FSX?
The message normally says that a required cabinet file is corrupt and cannot be used. The filename shown in the message identifies the .cab archive the installer could not read.
With boxed Microsoft Flight Simulator X, the usual causes are a dirty or damaged DVD, an unreliable optical drive, or an incomplete local copy. Less commonly, security software, insufficient temporary space, failing storage or unstable memory interrupts extraction. Graphics settings, fsx.cfg and FSX service packs cannot fix this error because the base simulator has not yet been installed.
FSX: Steam Edition does not use the original two-DVD installer. If Error 1335 appears while installing Steam Edition, it usually belongs to a separate add-on or prerequisite package rather than the base simulator.
Fix FSX Error 1335 in the right order
- Record the cabinet filename. Note the complete filename and which DVD was being read. If every attempt stops on the same file, the source disc or that particular file is the leading suspect.
- Clean and inspect the DVD. Remove dust and fingerprints with a soft lint-free cloth, wiping from the centre towards the edge. Deep scratches, cloudy areas or cracks mean the media may be unreadable.
- Copy the installation media locally. Create a folder such as
C:\FSX_Setupon an internal drive. Copy every file from Disc 1, then merge the contents of Disc 2 into the same folder. Retain Disc 1's launcher files if Windows finds duplicates, and do not rename or manually extract the cabinet files. - Treat a copy failure as a media problem. If Windows reports a CRC, cyclic redundancy or data error while copying the named cabinet, stop changing Windows settings. Try another optical drive, including a USB DVD drive. If another computer reads the discs successfully, transfer the complete staged folder and copy it onto the target computer's internal drive before installing.
- Prepare a clean extraction path. Restart Windows, confirm that both the system drive and installation drive have ample free space, then open Run, enter
%TEMP%and remove the files Windows permits you to delete. Avoid a network share, synchronised Desktop folder or removable drive for the staged installer. - Run the correct launcher. Right-click the Disc 1
setup.exein the staged folder and choose Run as administrator. Do not start an internal MSI or an individual cabinet file. If permissions or legacy components then block setup, use our modern-Windows FSX installation checks. - Check security and hardware only if copying succeeds. A third-party real-time scanner can be paused briefly when installing from trusted original media; turn it back on immediately afterwards. Repeated failures involving different cabinet files justify running Windows' built-in drive error check and Windows Memory Diagnostic.
How can I tell which component is failing?
| What happens | Most likely cause | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| The same cabinet will not copy from DVD | Damaged disc or optical-drive read fault | Clean the disc and try a different drive |
| The DVD copies correctly in another drive | Original optical drive | Install from the locally staged copy |
| All files copy, but setup fails on the same cabinet | Bad staged copy, temporary storage or scanning interference | Recreate the folder, clear temporary files and retry |
| A different cabinet fails on each attempt | Unstable memory or storage | Run the built-in hardware diagnostics |
| Only an add-on installer shows Error 1335 | Incomplete or corrupt add-on package | Obtain a fresh complete copy of that installer |
Can I download the missing FSX cabinet file?
Do not replace one cabinet with a file found separately online. FSX cabinet files must match the exact edition, language and installer database; mixing files can produce another installation error or leave FSX partially installed. Use a complete, known-good copy of your legitimate installation media instead.
What if FSX reports a different installer error next?
Once the error code changes, troubleshoot the new stage rather than repeating the Error 1335 steps. A failure before InstallShield opens calls for our Error 1607 startup and Windows Installer checks, while a later failed installer action is covered by our Error 1722 troubleshooting steps.
Which FSX updates should I install afterwards?
Finish and launch the base boxed installation before applying any updates. Standard, Deluxe, Gold and Acceleration media have a specific update order, explained in our boxed-FSX service-pack installation guidance. Do not apply the standalone boxed service packs to FSX: Steam Edition.