Cannot run most programs - profapi.dll error


  1. Posts : 27
    Windows 7 SP1 x64
       #1

    Cannot run most programs - profapi.dll error


    I am getting the following error message whenever I try to run most programs (in this example, Chrome).

    C:\Windows\system32\profapi.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error...


    This started with me using Windows as normal, when suddenly I couldn't start any new programs - they just closed as soon as I opened them. I thought a simple restart would fix it, and boy, was I wrong. As soon as I restarted, the Windows (something) shell stopped responding, and so did Windows Explorer. My icons and taskbar were not appearing, and manually starting explorer.exe did not help at all, it just stopped responding as soon as I did so. I decided to run "sfc /scannow" to see if it would fix the problem. It found errors, but said it was not able to fix them. I decided to run "chkdsk /r" next, as it seemed the most logical option, and it found a TON of errors (literally hundreds or even thousands). It fixed them and I restarted Windows. Explorer.exe and the Windows (sth.) shell seemed to run fine, so I tried running a few programs. All of them started throwing up this error. I next booted my W7 CD and ran system repair, restoring my system to an earlier restore point (conveniently from 3 PM the previous day, right before this problem started appearing - I don't know how it got there). That fixed nothing. Thought the next logical thing would be to copy over profapi.dll from a computer that is working correctly. I did so, and the files seem to be identical - neither is damaged or corrupt or abnormal in any way - this means the problem is not with the files. I am having this problem still until now, and have run out of ideas. I decided to run "sfc /scannow" once again, so here's the log (it was too large to attach, and trying to paste it anywhere froze my PC or said it was too big, so here's a MF link):
    CBS.log

    tl;dr: Getting the error in the picture, even though the file itself is completely fine.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 3,612
    Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 6.01.7600 SP1 (x64)
       #2

    hi there :)

    please run a sfc scan go to this tutorial How to Repair Windows 7 System Files with System File Checker link >>> http://goo.gl/M5Tvr
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 27
    Windows 7 SP1 x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    brianzion said:
    hi there :)

    please run a sfc scan go to this tutorial How to Repair Windows 7 System Files with System File Checker link >>> http://goo.gl/M5Tvr
    As I have said in my original post, I have run it and attached a log as well.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3,612
    Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 6.01.7600 SP1 (x64)
       #4

    have you tried uninstalling a program such as chrome and re-installing?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3,612
    Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 6.01.7600 SP1 (x64)
       #5

    i have found this for you it may help with a more insight for your problem look at the section Related Links Fix profapi.dll error for Windows 7 Enterprise Edition 32-bit | DLLSuite
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 27
    Windows 7 SP1 x64
    Thread Starter
       #6

    The .DLL error seems to have gone away (thanks brianzion), but now I've noticed a new one. I'm getting "side by side configuration" errors running various programs, most importantly Firefox. I've tracked it down with the event viewer and have found 88 different errors, all event ID 59. Here are all of them, able to be viewed:
    events.zip

    They all have the following format:

    Code:
    Activation context generation failed for "D:\Program Files (x86)\Nightly\firefox.exe".Error in manifest or policy file "C:\Windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_policy.8.0.microsoft.vc80.crt_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_8.0.50727.6195_none_517205a10f4550e3.manifest" on line 0. Invalid Xml syntax.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 3,612
    Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 6.01.7600 SP1 (x64)
       #7

    the best thing i think is to un-install the troublesome programs and install them new from there websites and see how it fairs i would recommend un-installing using revo uninstaller >>> Download Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Free and Full Download - Uninstall software, remove programs, solve uninstall problems
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 27
    Windows 7 SP1 x64
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Just reinstalled all the Visual C++ redistributables, as well as the offending programs - didn't help at all. Damn, I don't want to format YET AGAIN...
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 8,608
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit SP1
       #9

    What 'version' of Windows 7 are you running? All I see is Win 7 X64. Also what anti-virus and firewall is on your machine?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 27
    Windows 7 SP1 x64
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Windows 7 Ultimate, Service Pack 1, 64-bit. All updates installed.
    Just MSE and the default Windows Firewall.
      My Computer


 

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