windows logs in to a black screen, programs have side by side config

[ShemRahBoo]

I am trying to fix my friends computer which is having several weird issues. When you login everything appears to be normal but Windows loads to a black screen with a cursor. Ctrl + Alt + Del to task manager and I can run explorer.exe to restore the desktop. However the problem now is once your at the desktop all programs when you try to run them pop up with an application failed to run side-by-side configuration is incorrect. these problems are not apparent when the computer is ran in safe mode, but I can not figure out what to do. I checked the registry HKLM software windows nt logon and explorer.exe is the value.
Malwarebytes when ran in safe mode does not detect anything either.

 

[Ztruker]

Some possibilities: this application failed to start because side-by-side-configuration is incorrect

Was this computer upgraded from Vista to Windows 7? If so that may be the cause. You can try doing a Repair Install of Windows 7 to see if that corrects the problem.

 

[ShemRahBoo]

This computer was purchased with windows 7 on it and no upgrade was completed. Seemed like such a random issue, my friend claims the problem happened after upgrading itunes and apple software and possibly installing a windows update. I can't system restore to any effect either.

 

[carwiz]

What was the result of the SFC /Scannow?