Downloaded .exe files - side-by-side configuration incorrect

[V8fan12]

Hello,

I've really been having a lot of trouble with .exe files downloaded from the internet (i.e. program installers and the like). When trying to run any .exe installer an error message comes up that says:

The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect. Please see the application log or use the command-line sxstrace.exe tool for more detail

This seems to happen with ALL downloaded .exe installers (including Firefox installer, GameStop's app installer, game demo installers, etc).

I'm really stuck for what to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. Also, I cannot read any PDF files in Chrome or Firefox (says "Object label badly formatted"). Any help with this would be appreciated also (Cannot download new version of Adobe Reader anyway).

 

[Ztruker]

One possible fix: Prevent "The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect..." error starting Access

 

[Britton30]

Instead of downloading, have you tried "Run" from the download dialog window?
You can dump Adobe reader and use Foxit Reader, as one example. Much less bloat and unneeded software.

 

[V8fan12]

Instead of downloading, have you tried "Run" from the download dialog window?
You can dump Adobe reader and use Foxit Reader, as one example. Much less bloat and unneeded software.

Did what you suggested. Got this error message for Foxit:

 

[Britton30]

Your snip is too small to be readable. Try the preferred way.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html#post93869

 

[V8fan12]

Your snip is too small to be readable. Try the preferred way.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html#post93869

Done. Should be easier to read now.

 

[Britton30]

Yes, thanks, I see the error 0xc000005. Lots of discussion from a Google search. Make sure your RAM is seated properly and run this test:

RAM (memory):
This will require memtest on a bootable CD or USB stick.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html

Do a full scan with Malwarebytes, link in my sig, use the free, not trial version.

The folowing link seems related to Windows live but at step 5 they recommend reinstalling the Microsoft Visual C++, you might give it a try.

The application has failed to start because its side-by-side - Microsoft Community