Bad Image Error

Forgive me if this is the wrong thread to put this in. I've recently purchased a PC game for my Dell desktop computer. After the game is installed, I click the shortcut icon to begin to play. I immediately get the message:

C:\Windows\system32\aticfx32.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support.

I've done the recommended CMD - sfc/scannow and it came back: Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

I've also uninstalled, restarted, and installed again, with the same error message box. Everything is up to date on my computer and I haven't changed anything except for installing the game. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Off hand, I would venture to say the game does not have 64 bit installer capability. Try re-installing, and running, it under compatibility mode.

It's the collector's edition of Final Fantasy XIV. What's strange is that I played a closed and open Beta for the game. It played just fine. I uninstalled the beta prior to installing the retail and now I have a $80 paper weight sitting on my desk.

As for compatibility, I took a peek at the game case and the recommended system specifications states Windows 7 32bit/64bit. I even tried right clicking on the icon, Troubleshoot Compatibility and it wants me to use Windows XP Service Pack 2. If I start the game with the new setting, I immediately get that it's stopped working.

One other quick thought; Is your video driver current? The "ati..." that you are having an issue with seems related to your video driver.

You apparently are quite adept at using Win 7 so I'm sure we'll get this figured out.

Welcome to the forums, Seraphyn! :)

Thanks for the warm welcome! Well, did some more checking, and apparently my video drivers weren't as up to date as I had thought. **sheepish** Updated, cleared registry, rebooted. Did a sfc/scannow and it read the same message about not being able to fix corrupt files.

However, I still decided to try and sure enough . . . it was my video drivers at fault. I'm downloading patches/version updates for Final Fantasy XIV now. Thanks you two for your great advice!! Now I don't have to go to Gamestop, foaming at the mouth, hoping my purchase wasn't a faulty disc.

mckillwashere said:

LOL creds to mikedl :) +1 mate

Thanks, mckillwashere! Really, I just tossed in a thought as you had most of the bases already covered.

I'm sure happy Seraphyn got it all sorted out. :)