Random BSOD's, mainly ntoskrnl.exe but also other errors.

So I've got a new error. Everytime I try to open any .exe file I get the error: "The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect. Please see the application event log or use the command-line sxstrace.exe tool for more detail."
I dont know either where to find event logs, or what to look for in them, and when i try sxstrace.exe and hit enter it just flashes as it opens and then closes immediatley. The only ones I actually can open is world of warcraft and solitaire. But when i try to open wow i get a bsod almost immediatley.

Kershnak

the error is caused when The machine is missing the correct C++ runtime components for your type of system. (x86 or x64).

To resolve this you need to install the updates for

Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package for (x64)

Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package (x64)

Since I can't open Chrome or IE on my computer I downloaded the two files to a usb and then plugged that into my computer. Can't open them, get the same error as with any other program. Tried in safe mode too, didn't work there either.

How close did you stick with the steps to get a perfect install from Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 (same for retail)? Did you follow the procedure given for drivers or use outdated XP methods to mass import?

I'd do a diagnostic reinstall since you've got a fresh install on the new HD.

This time first wipe the HD of all code using Diskpart Clean Command from the installer's System Recovery Options Command Line.

After install provide the driver if necessary to get online and run long enough to see if the problems are present and report back.

Next run each round of Important and Optional Updates after enabling Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3).

In between each round of Updates after requested reboot run long enough to know if performance problems have arisen. Ifso System Restore to before the batch and install in smaller groups testing between each to see which one has the bad update, then Sysrestore to before that to install them singly.

Next install each driver still missing in Device Manager, checking performance between each driver install.

Next install your programs one at a time with enough time between each to see if one is causing the problem.

Ok so I've got a clean reinstall of windows now, on my new hd which I did the Diskpart Clean Command. Haven't touched anything yet other than checking for upsates via windows update. I've got 119 important and 7 optional updates to do. Should I install all of them at once or install them in smaller batches? Also I'm off to buy a new PSU tomorrow. Been looking at this: CX600

Yes, I'd install Updates in smaller groups starting with the drivers queued in Optional. This allows you to System Restore easier if the performance probs arise after a group, then install them singly to narrow down the problem updates. Same with the other groups and Programs.

You mean like this one? HX Series HX650 Power Supply

At the moment I have a Fractal Design Tesla, 550W 80+ (Tesla 550W, 80 PLUS - Fractal Design)

The reason I think it is causing problems is partly because of the sounds it makes when i cut the power to it and then put it back in. It just makes a really loud fan-like sound. Almost like the fan is the only thing getting power. It doesn't start when this happens either, just makes the fan-sound. I have to press the power button to make a restart and then wait a few seconds and then start it again, and it'll be fine. And partly because it won't start at all sometimes, and sometimes it just shuts down during startup without going to a bsod. It's 3 years old, and I haven't been very nice towards it, so I think it's time to replace it with a better substitute. I'm moving towards replacing all of my hardware in the near future. I've already replaced my RAM, my hd and my graphics card.