Solved Avoiding '<application name> is not a valid Win32 application' error.

[Lairbear980]

Avoiding '<application name> is not a valid Win32 application' error.

OK, this is admittedly a strange one...

I have used an old (probably a 16-bit) application as my time synchronizer this I've used for quite some time. Its name is TimeRC, and is a great synchronizer as it tracks moon phases along with the time (from selectable, multiple potential time servers). After a fatal software crash a couple of weeks ago, I'm in the process of recovery. Attempts to manually launch the EXE, result in a launch-time error stating that the ap is not compatible with my Windows 7 Pro (SP1). Note that I'm running on the same level of Windows that I was using prior to the crash/re-install. I have inhibited compatibility checking (Group Policy adjustment) only to incur the Win32 error.

I've been through the litany of utilities (registry) to correct this situation, and I KNOW that this ap runs just fine on Windows 7 (from pre-crash days). I am at my wits end trying to avoid this situation. I suspect that there is a registry setting difference (now versus pre-crash) about which I'm ignorant, so I'm open to any, and all suggestions.

To use an alternative time synchronizer is not an option...I'm anal about how my system looks, feels, and performs!! I've even tried running in XP mode (virtual machine) to no palatable result. Note that I don't have access to the program's source code, otherwise I could recompile!

There's got to be something that I'm missing.

Color me frustrated,
Randy Reist (Lairbear)

 

[Layback Bear]

Have you just tried removing the program and install again.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Desktop-Enhancements/Clocks-Time-Management/TimeRC.shtml

 

[FuturDreamz]

Did you reinstall in 64-bit mode?

 

[Lairbear980]

Call off the dogs!!!

I extend my thanks to Layback Bear (could be a cousin of mine), and to FuturDreamz for your interest in my debacle!!

While your suggestion to remove and re-install is most reasonable, this app is not installable (ZIP) in the technical windows sense. Thus unfortunately, such an approach was un-doable. HOWEVER, I did remove all vestiges, and re-downloaded from your suggested URL, un-ZIPped, and the utility ran just peachy!! So, my problem is solved!! I will mark this one as solved post haste.

Life is once again GOOD for this humble Bear in his Lair!!

I will now update my registry to launch it as part of general system startup.

Again, thanks,
Randy Reist (Lairbear)

 

[Layback Bear]

Glad your problem is gone. I will just lay back and rest.