This article is part of in the series
Published: Thursday 27th February 2025

Introduction

When installing Python programs with pip, "python setup.py egg_info" failed with error code 1 error. This stops the installation and is frustrating for beginners. Obsolete or missing dependencies, difficulties with pip or setup tools, or a damaged Python environment frequently cause the problem. Fortunately, there are straightforward fixes.

This article will explain why this problem happens and suggest four simple solutions. You may check dependencies, update tools, or reinstall missing components with us. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can restore important data lost while troubleshooting. Let us begin by determining what causes this mistake.

python setup error code

Part 1. Command Python Setup.py egg_info" Failed with Error Code 1

When attempting to install a Python package using pip, the error "python setup.py egg_info" fails with error code 1. This error keeps the installation from finishing and often signals an issue with your Python environment or package dependencies.

Possible causes of this error:

  • Outdated Pip or Setuptools - The package management may not support the most recent versions.
  • Missing Dependencies - Some needed packages may not be installed.
  • Corrupt Installation Files - The product being installed may include errors.
  • Broken Virtual Environment - The Python virtual environment may not be configured properly.
  • Internet or Firewall Issues - Network constraints might prevent package downloads.

Here's an example of the error message you could receive in the terminal:

python setup.py egg_info" failed with error code 1

Now that we understand the situation better let us look at the four solutions.

Part 2. Solutions to Fix "egg_info" Error Code 1

If you encounter the error "python setup.py egg_info" with error code 1, don't worry! Outdated pip or setuptools, missing dependencies, or a malfunctioning Python environment often cause this problem. Fortunately, you can correct it with a few easy steps. In this part, we'll go through four simple fixes individually. Make careful to apply each patch in sequence, and then try installing the package again to check whether the problem has been fixed.

Fix 1: Verifying Proper Installation of Pip and Setuptools

Before making any modifications, ensure that pip and setup tools are installed correctly on your system. The problem might be caused by one of them being missing or out of date. Follow these procedures to check the Pip and Setuptools versions.

Step 1. Open the Start menu and enter cmd into the search field. Right-click "Command Prompt" and choose "Run as Administrator."

Step 2. Type the command into the Command Prompt window and Enter "pip list." This will display a list of installed Python packages, including pip and setuptools.

open piplist

Step 3. If pip and setuptools are missing or outdated, upgrade them using the following patches. If setuptools isn't on the list, you can get it from the PyPi website.

Fix 2: Upgrading Pip to the Latest Version

If your pip version is outdated, it may not support certain packages, resulting in the egg_info error. Upgrading the pip may typically fix the issue. The following are the steps to upgrade Pip.

Step 1. Open the command prompt window.

Step 2. Put "python -m pip install -upgrade pip." into the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

enter upgrade pip command

This will update pip to the most recent version.

Step 3. Run the following command to verify the new version of pip:

"pip --version"

You should see the most recent version number if the update is successful.

Fix 3: Updating Setuptools to the Latest Version

Setuptools is an essential Python library for managing dependencies. The package installation may fail with an egg_info error if it is outdated. Updating setuptools can resolve this problem; let's see how:

Step 1. Go to the Start menu, enter cmd, and right-click Command Prompt. Select "Run as administrator."

Step 2. Type the Setuptools Upgrade command and click Enter.

"pip install --upgrade setuptools."

This will install the most recent version of setuptools.

enter upgrade setuptools command

Step 3. Use the command "pip list | findstr setuptools" to check whether Setuptools has been updated. If the update is successful, the most recent version will be shown.

Step 4. Try installing the package that generated the error and see whether the problem is resolved.

Fix 4: Try installing the ez_setup module.

Sometimes, the "python setup.py egg_info" fails with an error code. One error occurs because the ez_setup module is missing. Installing ez_setup may fix the issue. Let's see below:

Step 1. Launch Command Prompt as Administrator by clicking Start, then typing cmd.

Step 2. Type "pip install ez_setup," and press Enter. If the installation was successful, try performing the package installation command again.

install ez setup

Step 3. If ez_setup installation does not resolve the problem, try executing these extra commands one at a time:

"pip install unroll," "easy_install -U setuptools," "pip install unroll."

These instructions will guarantee that all dependencies are correctly installed.

Step 4. Try installing the package that is generating the problem.

Part 3. How to Restore Data After Fixing Python Error Code 1

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Part 4. Conclusion

The "python setup.py egg_info" failed with error number 1 is often caused by outdated pip or setuptools, missing dependencies, or an incorrectly configured Python environment. To remedy this problem, ensure pip and setuptools are properly installed, then update both tools and install the ez_setup module if required.

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