Given the installation hurdles, why not use a newer version?
However, if you must have newer data (2014+), consider merging database files from 2015/1 into a 2013/3 shell – a hack documented on MHH Auto (search "ESI DB swap 2013 to 2015"). It requires manual SQLite editing.
Users attempting to install the Bosch ESI tronic 2013 series (specifically versions 1, 2, and 3) on modern Windows systems often encounter critical errors where the installation fails to start, crashes mid-process, or results in a "key not found" error. This is a common issue with archives sourced from older forum threads (such as MHH Auto).
Here is the definitive guide to resolving these installation blocks.
If you’re trying to install Bosch ESI[tronic] 2013 (versions 1, 2 or 3) and the installer fails on an MHH Auto New system, this guide shows practical troubleshooting steps and fixes to get the software installed and working. These steps address the most common causes: compatibility issues, missing prerequisites, permission problems, and corrupted installers.
Verify installer integrity
Check and install prerequisites
Disable interfering services
Clean up previous ESI remnants
Run installer with elevated options
Resolve common error codes
Install MHH Auto New related components
Post-install checks
If installation still fails
Even with the MHH Auto New method, some users encounter issues. Here is the community’s debugging checklist:
| Problem | MHH Auto Solution |
| :--- | :--- |
| “The patch says ‘Target file CRC mismatch’” | You are using the wrong version (trying to patch 2013.1 on 2013.3 files). Re-download the correct patch from MHH. |
| Install hangs at 67% copying wds_data.mdb | Your hard drive has bad sectors, or the ISO is corrupted. Re-extract from original RARs. Use chkdsk /f. |
| “MSI error 1628: failed to complete installation” | Windows Installer service is stuck. Run msiexec /unregister, then msiexec /regserver. Reboot. |
| ESI launches but shows blank screen | The SQLite database repair failed. Run ESI_DB_Repair.exe again, but this time select “Deep Rebuild Mode.” |
Version 2013/2 expects a Sentinel HASP hardware key (original Bosch diagnosis interface). Cracked versions from MHH Auto include a virtual HASP emulator (often hardlock.sys or multikey.sys). If you have any other virtual USB or driver signing enforcement active (e.g., from VMware, VirtualBox, or modern Secure Boot), the HASP emulator fails to load. Consequently, the installer believes no key is present and aborts.
Solution: Disable Driver Signature Enforcement permanently (test mode on Windows 10/11) and remove conflicting emulators (e.g., for ETS2, SolidWorks, or other protected software).
The original ESI 2013/1 installer contains a custom action that attempts to stop the Windows Installer service mid-installation to write registry keys. On Windows 7 SP1, 8.1, or 10, this triggers a deadlock. The MSI engine waits for itself, then times out after 15 minutes, rolling back.
Solution: Extract the MSI from the DVD using Universal Extractor. Then run:
msiexec /i Bosch_ESI_2013_1.msi /qb- /norestart
This bypasses the custom action.
If the installer throws a generic "Error 1722" or "Install Shield" error: