32 bit apps crash right when opened?

I just did a clean install of Vista Ultimate RTM x64 3 days ago.
Everything worked fine for the first 2-2 and 1/2 days, but after a restart,
things started to get weird.
Everytime I launch a 32 bit app (IE x64 works, but IE 32 bit does not, as an
example.)
I have no idea why it would all of a sudden start doing this, I haven't made
any changes to the system, it just started after a reboot.
I'd like to solve this without a reformat if possible, but I obviously will
if needed.

Has anyone had this happen before? Suggestions?

Thanks,
Aaron

dhurler
Wed Apr 11 05:32:04 CDT 2007



"xDrivenx" wrote:

> I just did a clean install of Vista Ultimate RTM x64 3 days ago.
> Everything worked fine for the first 2-2 and 1/2 days, but after a restart,
> things started to get weird.
> Everytime I launch a 32 bit app (IE x64 works, but IE 32 bit does not, as an
> example.)
> I have no idea why it would all of a sudden start doing this, I haven't made
> any changes to the system, it just started after a reboot.
> I'd like to solve this without a reformat if possible, but I obviously will
> if needed.
>
> Has anyone had this happen before? Suggestions?
>
> Thanks,
> Aaron

dhurler
Wed Apr 11 05:40:03 CDT 2007

I encountered the same problem on my dad's Windows XP x64 installation. After
checking the event log I noticed numerous side-by-side assembly errors. One
specific manifest file was flagged as being in error so I opened it up in a
text editor and -- sure enough -- there was just a bunch of random characters
inside. I just replaced that file with one of of a working x64 setup and now
32-bit apps launch fine.

I still have a problem with the Network Connections service not working. The
event log contains an error message "Network Connections is not a valid Win32
application". I wonder if anyone else has encountered this and if they have
found a solution. I suspect both of these problems are a result of a botched
Windows Update installation. Anyone have any ideas?

"xDrivenx" wrote:

> I just did a clean install of Vista Ultimate RTM x64 3 days ago.
> Everything worked fine for the first 2-2 and 1/2 days, but after a restart,
> things started to get weird.
> Everytime I launch a 32 bit app (IE x64 works, but IE 32 bit does not, as an
> example.)
> I have no idea why it would all of a sudden start doing this, I haven't made
> any changes to the system, it just started after a reboot.
> I'd like to solve this without a reformat if possible, but I obviously will
> if needed.
>
> Has anyone had this happen before? Suggestions?
>
> Thanks,
> Aaron