Why does the MATLAB installer fail with an error about the file MFC71enu.dll?

Solution:

This error can occur when another process is accessing MFC71enu.dll. To workaround this error perform the following steps:

1. Cancel the installation if it is still running
2. Right click on My Computer and choose Properties
3. Choose the Advanced Tab
4. Click on the Environment Variables Button (bottom left)
5. Select the PATH environment variable under 'System Variables'
6. Click on 'Edit' under 'System Variables'
7. Remove $MATLAB\bin\win32 from the 'Variable Value'
8. Click 'Ok' until you have exited
9. Restart your machine
10. Remove the MATLAB folder that was created by the failed installation (default location is inside of c:\Program Files\)
11. Run the installation again

If this new installation fails with the same error, please try the following:

1. Cancel the installation if it is still running and remove the MATLAB folder
2. Restart your computer into Safe Mode - To do this: Reboot the machine, then while the computer is booting back up, tap the "F8" key every couple of seconds until you get the "Safe Mode Options"
3. Choose "Safe Mode with Networking"
4. When Windows starts up, log in
5. Remove the residual MATLAB folder that was created by the failed installation (default location is inside of c:\Program Files\)
6. Run the installation again