Side-by-side error after repair install

rigues21 · 13 Nov 2011

Hello all,

I apologize if this has problem been answered already but this thread is pretty long and to read every last one... well that would take a while. I'd been trolling around the site for a couple of hours before I decided to register and post here. The first part is a summary, the second is a repeat in words with a bit more detail.

History of problem:

1. Initial error: nvstorfl.dll corrupt or missing. BSOD a couple of times.
2. Then after startup repair fails, no boot.
3. Using Ubuntu disc, I replace nvstorfl.dll with known good from C:\Windows\DriverStore~
4. System boots, however now new error at 64 bit program launch - some other DLL and no Aero. Try to turn on Aero, but it says theme not compatible and Windows Desktop Manager is not on.
5. Frustrated, I commence with a repair install using burned win7 64 sp1 iso from mydigitallife.
6. After repair, some programs open, some don't. Happening to both 32 bit and 64 bit programs now. The error now is "side-by-side configuration is incorrect".

Anyway, this is how it all happened. After trying to hotswap some hardware (sata DVD rom), I got a BSOD which led to errors in opening x64 programs. They opened, but an error message was displayed citing nvstorfl.dll as being corrupt or missing. After a couple of BSODs, I couldn't boot. So, remembering that nvstor~ had been mentioned in the error, I booted through Ubuntu 11 and went to the directory for nvstor~. The file had size 0 KB. So, I copied another version of it from the DriverStore directory. This allowed boot. However there were still errors in opening x64 programs referencing a different DLL (don't remember which). Suspecting that this could go on for a while, and after having read this tutorial, I opted for repair install. So, now after the repair, I have this side-by-side error on some but not all programs. This is not limited to 32 bit or 64 bit programs.

I have read some stuff talking about reinstalling MS C++ redist packages, but not sure if I should. Also if I do replace the c++ redists, should I uninstall them first, then reinstall?

Thanks for any input or advice.

gregrocker · 13 Nov 2011

I'd uninstall the Nvidia software package if you dont' use special settings and run only with the driver.

Turn it off first in msconfig>Startup and >Services (after hiding all MS services) or it will leave its Reg key droppings there, and it still might.

rigues21 · 13 Nov 2011

Thanks for the reply.

I only have the windows services and Avira's scheduler checked in the services tab of msconfig. Startup tab only has realtek audio. I'm pretty diligent about turning off start up items on new installs.

I would uninstall the nvidia package, but I don't think it was the cause. I've had zero problems with this install since I installed it over a year ago. The catalyst was the hot-swapping of the sata dvd rom drive and the subsequent corruption of files. I also suspect the startup repair attempt after the BSOD had something to do with it.

By the way, has anyone even heard of nvstorfl.dll? The "fl" part at the end is strange. When I search it in google, I get one result: this post. So, I still need some more input. Thanks again for any and all replies.

gregrocker · 13 Nov 2011

This is what I would do, but I don't settle for less than a perfect install - even a suspect one:

Run a full Malwarebytes scan.

Next run SFC -SCANNOW Command

Next consider running a Repair Install as a last resort before Clean Reinstalling Windows 7 following the steps in the link to get it perfect, without the various driver bloatware packages but using instead the Win7 installer drivers quickly updated via optional Updates.