Not a valid win32 application

RFED · 10 Feb 2014

Dear all,

This is Justin, I have learnt a lot from this forum and I have decent computer knowledge.

I really in need of all your help. I have 3 Operating system installed in my computer 1) Windows 8.1 pro 2) Windows 7 ultimate 3) Windows XP

I have HP deskjet 3520 series all in one printer.I have successfully installed the printer in Windows 8.1 and windows XP. However when I try to install the software in windows 7, I get the error "%1 is not a valid win32 application".

This installation fails at HP Photo creations. I have attached the screenshot

Things I have tried

1) Uninstalled and reinstall HP printer atleast 2-3 times
2) Extracted the setup file using 7 zip and tried installing from the folder
3) Checked for infections and did not find anything
4) Ran chkdsk /f /r

Referred below link but unable to perform steps as I was not sure which services I had to modify
Event ID 7000 and "%1 Is Not a Valid Win32 Application" Error Message When You Start a Service

PLease Please help me in resolving this issue

MilesAhead · 10 Feb 2014

Are Win8.1 and XP both 32 bit? If so then my guess is the printer software is 16 bit. Try downloading from here: Software & driver downloads HP Deskjet 3520 e-All-in-One Printer | HP® Support

RFED · 10 Feb 2014

Thanks for the reply

Windows 8.1 and windows 7 are 64 bit and windows XP is 32 bit. I have even downloaded the driver from the website you provided and still same issue persists

MilesAhead · 10 Feb 2014

I see. I reread your original post more closely. Sorry I misinterpreted it the first time. The closest thing I could find to a solution was people who could not install NVidia drivers. They got around it by renaming every NVidia folder on their system, such as NVidiaOld or whatever. Then they ran the installer again.

Usually when you see that "%1" in the error it's because of a space in the path. Such as running something from Program Files and the %1 placeholder is not wrapped in double quotes. But these people and the MS page you posted also says a name clash can do the same thing.

https://forums.geforce.com/default/t...ication-error/

Slartybart · 10 Feb 2014

It sounds as though you have taken the correct steps. There is one reference to spaces in the parsed field. It took a while to figure out what field it menat, but it turns out that it is your login name.

Sooo, if you have a space in your login name "Bob Smith" - HP says to extract the installation files to a folder without spaces, for example
C:\HPdev
Then navigate to C:\HPdev and dbl click setup

It might work!

Some devices want SW installed first, then connect the device when prompted, other devices it's the reverse. You might have to restart the machine for the driver to kick in.

Slartybart · 10 Feb 2014

Ha... Miles and I found the same possible solution, I just type too slow!

I mentioned the space issue in a differnt contect than Miles. I also thought about the existing folder/file possibility.

You mentioned HP Photo creations as the failure point. If it is not a space in teh path name, then try renaming the folder that contains HP Photo creations.

Slartybart · 10 Feb 2014

HP troubleshooting:
Troubleshoot a problem for HP Deskjet 3520 e-All-in-One Printer series - HP Support Center

Setup & Install for HP Deskjet 3520 Printer series - HP Support Center

Troubleshoot a problem for HP Deskjet 3520 Printer series - HP Support Center

HP forums: Cannot install a HP - Deskjet 3520 Wireless All-In-One Prin... - HP Support Forum - 2196265

RFED · 10 Feb 2014

Thank you so much for the response, I will try the provided steps and will get back to you guys

RFED · 12 Feb 2014

Hey guys I tried all the steps provided, renaming HP folder again same issue occured.

Finally I deleted the HP folder from both location C:/programfiles(x86) and c:/programfiles.

Uninstalled HP Printer completely from appwiz.cpl

Now when I try to install the printer (Either through disc or setup downloaded from HP website), it shows HP printer is already installed

In the screeen shot please check that HP deskjet 3520 series product imrpovement, HP deskjet 3520 series help and HP update all showing as 0MB. When I try to install the printer only Bing bar and HP photo creations install.

This issue has now become very complex, kindly help me out from this mess

I have checked using Microsoft install uninstall utility to see whether traces of HP products are left over and they are not there

MilesAhead · 12 Feb 2014

I would make a Restore Point. Then use CCleaner Fix Registry Issues function.. making the suggested backup .reg file when it prompts you. There must be some leftover registry settings dangling.