How To Fix Npm Install Error Code EINTEGRITY?

Published August 23, 2024

Problem: Npm Install EINTEGRITY Error

The npm install EINTEGRITY error happens when there's a difference between the expected and actual file integrity during package installation. This error can stop the installation process, preventing you from adding new packages or updating existing ones in your Node.js projects.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

Verifying npm Cache

To fix the EINTEGRITY error, you can verify the npm cache. Run this command in your terminal:

npm cache verify

This command checks the npm cache and fixes issues it finds. Cache verification can solve problems that may cause the EINTEGRITY error.

Tip: Check npm Version

Make sure you're using the latest version of npm. Outdated versions may cause cache-related issues. Update npm with:

npm install -g npm@latest

Cleaning npm Cache

If verifying the cache doesn't work, you can clean the npm cache completely. Use this command:

npm cache clean --force

This method removes all data from the cache folder. It's helpful when you think bad cache data is causing the EINTEGRITY error. Use this option carefully, as npm will need to download all package data again for future installations.

After cleaning the cache, run your original npm install command again to see if the error is gone.

Advanced Solutions

Updating npm

To check your npm version, open your terminal and run:

npm --version

If your npm version is old, you can upgrade to the latest version using:

npm install -g npm@latest

Updating npm can often fix issues like the EINTEGRITY error by solving compatibility problems between npm and your project dependencies.

Tip: Check Node.js Version

Make sure your Node.js version is compatible with the latest npm version. You can check your Node.js version by running:

node --version

If needed, update Node.js to ensure smooth operation with the latest npm.

Handling Package Files

If the error continues, try deleting the package-lock.json file from your project directory. This file contains exact versions of your project dependencies, and sometimes conflicts can occur. To delete it, use:

rm package-lock.json

After deleting the file, run:

npm install

This command will regenerate the package-lock.json file and reinstall all dependencies, which might solve the EINTEGRITY error.

Managing npm Folders

Sometimes, you may need to manage the npm folders directly. The location of these folders varies depending on your operating system:

  • On Windows: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\npm and npm-cache
  • On macOS and Linux: ~/.npm

To safely delete and reinstall these folders:

  1. Back up any important data from these folders.
  2. Delete the folders using:
    rm -rf ~/.npm
  3. Reinstall npm globally:
    npm install -g npm

This process can help solve persistent EINTEGRITY errors by removing possibly corrupted npm data and starting fresh.