Npm install command encounters EEXIST error

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1

I’m encountering an issue while executing the npm install command for my project, which results in the following error:

npm ERR! code EEXIST
npm ERR! syscall open
npm ERR! path C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\npm-cache\_cacache\tmp\be85dee9
npm ERR! errno -4075
npm ERR! EEXIST: file already exists, open 'C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\npm-cache\_cacache\tmp\be85dee9'
npm ERR! File exists: C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\npm-cache\_cacache\tmp\be85dee9
npm ERR! Remove the existing file and try again, or run npm with --force to overwrite files recklessly.

I have verified that the file specified does not exist in that location, and I’m running Visual Studio Code with administrative privileges. I’ve also attempted to use PowerShell with admin rights. Below is the configuration of my package.json:

{
  "name": "@projectname/example-angular",
  "version": "24.8.0",
  "license": "SEE LICENSE IN LICENSE.md",
  "engines": {
    "node": "^16.13.1",
    "npm": "^8.19.4"
  },
  // additional configuration...
}

I’ve taken these steps to troubleshoot:

  1. Performed a complete reinstallation of both nvm and node.
  2. Removed the entire npm-cache directory and attempted the installation with the --force flag.
  3. Cloned my repository anew and tried the npm install command there.
  4. Used nvm to switch between various node versions (such as v20.9.0 and v12.11).
2

Hey Ethan, the EEXIST error is usually related to npm cache issues. Since you've already tried clearing the cache and using the --force flag, let's try a more direct approach.

1. Delete the entire npm cache:

npm cache clean --force

2. Ensure you have full permission in the npm-cache directory. Sometimes permissions can be tricky on Windows, so make sure they are right.

3. After ensuring permissions, run:

npm install

If this still doesn't resolve it, another workaround is checking for symbolic links or junctions, as they can sometimes cause conflicts.