Cannot switch node version

[bennycode]

I installed nvm (when node 0.12.4 was already installed) and nvm detected my node version and asked me if it should manage it. I said "yes" and after doing this I installed node 0.10.33 with nvm install 0.10.33. Then I switched the node version by using nvm use 0.10.33 but now I cannot switch back although the node 0.12.4 lists up when executing nvm list.

Here is my log:

C:\Users\Benny>nvm list

    0.12.4
  * 0.10.33 (Currently using ?-bit executable)

C:\Users\Benny>nvm use 0.12.4
node v0.12.4 (64-bit) is not installed.

C:\Users\Benny>nvm install 0.12.4
Downloading node.js version 0.12.4 (64-bit)... Error while creating C:\Users\Benny\AppData\Roaming\n
vm\v0.12.4\node64.exe - open C:\Users\Benny\AppData\Roaming\nvm\v0.12.4\node64.exe: Access is denied
.
Error while downloading http://nodejs.org/dist/v0.12.4/x64/node.exe - invalid argument
Complete

[bennycode]

Ok, I found a workaround. I started the cmd with Administrator privileges and ran nvm install 0.12.4 which installed node using nvm (overriding my existing node 0.12.4). Afterwards I was able to switch using nvm use 0.12.4.

However, nvm list cannot show which version (32-bit or 64-bit) I have installed, it shows:

C:\WINDOWS\system32>nvm install 0.12.4
Downloading node.js version 0.12.4 (64-bit)... Complete

C:\WINDOWS\system32>nvm use 0.12.4
Now using node v0.12.4 (64-bit)

C:\WINDOWS\system32>nvm list

  * 0.12.4 (Currently using ?-bit executable)
    0.10.33

[ghost]

I also couldn't use nvm use. In my case the problem was that the folder C:\Program Files\nodejs existed from a previous installation of nodejs that was already uninstalled however. After deleting this folder manually, nvm worked correctly. It now creates the symlink.

[asilvas]

Same. Appears to be an installer bug. Either update doc to reflect this requirement (to remove existing node) or fix installer please.

[danielkrainas]

+1 on the issue of not being able to properly use a version due to the c:\program files\nodejs folder still being present after uninstalling a previous install of node. nvm gave no hint or message that there was an issue creating the symlink.

[kuncevic]

@sanjo @danielkrainas
What is the mystery with C:\Program Files\nodejs folder?
I had same issue:

nvm list    
      * 5.1.1 (Currently using 64-bit executable)
        4.2.1

Then until I renamed the c:\program files\nodejs folder I wasn't being able to switch between versions using nvm use <version> command. Do we need that folder at all?
UPDATE:
After I switch the node versions fom 5x to 4x and back using command above I realized that link nodejs was created in folder c:\program files\ so now I've got this:

It sounds like I really do not need my old node folder at all which is nodejs_ any more

[danielkrainas]

@Riapp no, you don't need it. It prevents the shortcut from being made. Even after uninstalling node, you may still have that folder and you will need to remove it manually.

[vipinrvbridge]

C:>nvm use v8.4.0 64
node v8.4.0 (64-bit) is not installed.

C:>nvm install v8.4.0 64
Downloading node.js version 8.4.0 (64-bit)...
Error while creating C:\Users\vipin.rv\AppData\Roaming\nvm\v8.4.0\node64.exe - open C:\Users\vipin.rv\AppData\Roaming\nvm\v8.4.0\node64.exe: Access is denied.
Error while downloading https://nodejs.org/dist/v8.4.0/win-x64//node.exe - invalid argument
Complete

How to redirect this download url

[richa-gitacc]

I had the same issue. First I installed node 6.9.5 from nvm. Then when I installed node 8.11.4 from downloaded .exe, version of node automatically switched to 8.11.4. After that I was not able to switch to version 6.9.5 untill I uninstalled node from control panel, then changed the name of nodejs folder still existing. Then installed version 8.11.4 from nvm.

Now I can switch between the two versions.
Is it the case that when we install node using installer then nvm doesnot work?

[hkumar0132]

This happens to be the issue till date and deleting nodejs folder does not work.
The only things we need to take care of is to run nvm install using cmd as administrator

[Bianxzy20]

I had the same issue but the problem that I often saw is that its because of the directory name it has a white space. I have a lot of problems with this.

[Bianxzy20]

I also couldn't use nvm use. In my case the problem was that the folder C:\Program Files\nodejs existed from a previous installation of nodejs that was already uninstalled however. After deleting this folder manually, nvm worked correctly. It now creates the symlink.

I have a symlink but still doesn't work, I also try to delete the nodejs folder and got the same error saying the status exit 1