Side by Side Configuration is Incorrect...For every program!

[DarkLord1020]

Hello,
I have always lurked around the site,
but this is my first ever post for help
=)

My problem is this:
I am running Windows Vista 64 bit on an ASUS laptop and, after some "experimenting" with binding EXE's on XP and moving them over to Vista,
I started receiving the dreaded error message "This program has failed to start because it's side by side configuration is incorrect". Now, I'm no noob when it comes to computers...
But I have tried everything I can think of to resolve this problem.
THe most common solution I have found is to install the Visual C++ Redistributable, thing is...
When I run the installation EXE, the same error appears.
I have attempted running in safe mode, system restore, and all the usual options, and every thread with this same problem is often ignored, therefore I have not been able to find a solution.

Can ANYONE here please help me?
My father needs this laptop for his work...
and it has been out of commission for almost a week now,
so any help short of a repair installation would be greatly, greatly appreciated.

[Helpmeh]

"experimenting"

What exactly would that be...?

[DarkLord1020]

What exactly would that be...?

lol,
I was compiling a few programs whose source code I had edited [trying to get into programming and starting small...]
Anyways,
I compiled it on my XP Desktop,
moved it onto my USB stick and moved it over to my Vista Home Premium 64bit laptop,
ran it...
and ever since then,
EVERY .exe/.msi I attempt to run gives me the error.

=[

[Helpmeh]

lol,
I was compiling a few programs whose source code I had edited [trying to get into programming and starting small...]
Anyways,
I compiled it on my XP Desktop,
moved it onto my USB stick and moved it over to my Vista Home Premium 64bit laptop,
ran it...
and ever since then,
EVERY .exe/.msi I attempt to run gives me the error.

=[

What were these .exe/.msi files originally...before you corrupted them that is?

[patio]

Main reason i can see this not working for you is you are moving from a 32bit OS to 64bit...

[DarkLord1020]

What were these .exe/.msi files originally...before you corrupted them that is?

Uhmmm...
I think I had used a simple EXE binder to bind a VLC installation file and...Hmmm, I can't remember the other file,
but It MAY have been an IMGburn setup file...
Now that I think of it, I haven't even had the chance to run the source-code file yet...

And

Main reason i can see this not working for you is you are moving from a 32bit OS to 64bit...

And thank you
=)

But...
I already know how I screwed up 
Just no idea on how to fix it,
seeing as to how the only repair option I've seen so far is being blocked...

Is there any way for me to somehow compile/run the Visual C++ Redistributable from a .bat file?

[Programming...is in no way my strong point =X]

[Helpmeh]

Uhmmm...
I think I had used a simple EXE binder to bind a VLC installation file and...Hmmm, I can't remember the other file,
but It MAY have been an IMGburn setup file...
Now that I think of it, I haven't even had the chance to run the source-code file yet...

And
And thank you
=)

But...
I already know how I screwed up 
Just no idea on how to fix it,
seeing as to how the only repair option I've seen so far is being blocked...

Is there any way for me to somehow compile/run the Visual C++ Redistributable from a .bat file?

[Programming...is in no way my strong point =X]

If you do want help, I suggest you leave out the MAYs and "Hmmm, I can't remember the other file" and try and stick to what you DID do.

[DarkLord1020]

If you do want help, I suggest you leave out the MAYs and "Hmmm, I can't remember the other file" and try and stick to what you DID do.

Sorry,
I just didn't think that how I got to the problem would help,
figured the problem itself was all you guys needed...
Anyways,
I did some digging into my cluttered desktop, and here are the files I joined, what I used, etc.

Program to merge files- EXEJoiner
Files merged- VLC media player setup and IMGburn setup

They were merged on my 32-bit XP Pro system and transfered over to my 64-bit Vista Home Premium system.

I executed the merged file,
and it failed to start giving me an error message about being incompatible with my system.
I figured no big, deleted the file, and carried on.

After restarting my computer shortly afterward,
I attempted to run Firefox, but it gave me the error message:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe

The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect. Please see the application event log for more detail"

Checking the Event Viewer, I have a boatload of "Side by Side" errors, each with an Event ID of 59.

The error reads: "Activation context generation failed for "C:\Windows\sysWOW64\TAPI32.dll", error in manifest or policy file "C:\Windows\Winsxs\manifests\x86_Microsoft.windows.c..-controls.resources_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.6001.18000_en-us_72e6f33f34dfabb9.manifest" [Whew!] on line 0. Invalid XML syntax.



Hope that helps?
Sorry about before
 

[Helpmeh]

Sorry,
I just didn't think that how I got to the problem would help,
figured the problem itself was all you guys needed...
Anyways,
I did some digging into my cluttered desktop, and here are the files I joined, what I used, etc.

Program to merge files- EXEJoiner
Files merged- VLC media player setup and IMGburn setup

They were merged on my 32-bit XP Pro system and transfered over to my 64-bit Vista Home Premium system.

I executed the merged file,
and it failed to start giving me an error message about being incompatible with my system.
I figured no big, deleted the file, and carried on.

After restarting my computer shortly afterward,
I attempted to run Firefox, but it gave me the error message:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe

The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect. Please see the application event log for more detail"

Checking the Event Viewer, I have a boatload of "Side by Side" errors, each with an Event ID of 59.

The error reads: "Activation context generation failed for "C:\Windows\sysWOW64\TAPI32.dll", error in manifest or policy file "C:\Windows\Winsxs\manifests\x86_Microsoft.windows.c..-controls.resources_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.6001.18000_en-us_72e6f33f34dfabb9.manifest" [Whew!] on line 0. Invalid XML syntax.



Hope that helps?
Sorry about before
 

Does EXEJoiner come with a Readme file? If so, please attach. I think that EXEJoiner is causing the trouble...

[DarkLord1020]

Does EXEJoiner come with a Readme file? If so, please attach. I think that EXEJoiner is causing the trouble...

No ReadMe log I could find,
It is a part of a program called "Net Tools 5", which is a compilation of a large amount of tools for many different operations,
googling EXEJoiner, I came up with nothing about it, so unfortunately, no readme.

I have EXEjoiner on my Desktop only, if that matters.

From what I have read, this may have something to do with the Visual C++ Redistributable 64-bit needing to be installed after attempting to run a poorly compiled program one on OS, and moving it to Vista.

I apologize if I am way off, as I said, this isn't my strong point.

[Helpmeh]

No ReadMe log I could find,
It is a part of a program called "Net Tools 5", which is a compilation of a large amount of tools for many different operations,
googling EXEJoiner, I came up with nothing about it, so unfortunately, no readme.

I have EXEjoiner on my Desktop only, if that matters.

From what I have read, this may have something to do with the Visual C++ Redistributable 64-bit needing to be installed after attempting to run a poorly compiled program one on OS, and moving it to Vista.

I apologize if I am way off, as I said, this isn't my strong point.

You could try that. I have never personally used EXEJoiner (it sounds interesting, but also a bit easily corruptable), so this is now out of my league.

[DarkLord1020]

You could try that. I have never personally used EXEJoiner (it sounds interesting, but also a bit easily corruptable), so this is now out of my league.

Thanks for the help
=/

With the Visual C++ Redistributable, I have downloaded it and everything,
the thing is...when I attempt to run the installer, I get the same error message as I do for every other program/installer.

Would you happen to know of any other install methods?
Whether it be a manual unpack and moving it all over somehow, some sort of CMD workaround or anything?
I'm pretty desperate at this point, this being nearly my third day working on it...

[Helpmeh]

Thanks for the help
=/

With the Visual C++ Redistributable, I have downloaded it and everything,
the thing is...when I attempt to run the installer, I get the same error message as I do for every other program/installer.

Would you happen to know of any other install methods?
Whether it be a manual unpack and moving it all over somehow, some sort of CMD workaround or anything?
I'm pretty desperate at this point, this being nearly my third day working on it...

Sometimes when downloading something, mirrors are often ZIPPED, to save the trouble of people installing programs...although with C++, it's not very likely...can you do a system restore?

[DarkLord1020]

Sometimes when downloading something, mirrors are often ZIPPED, to save the trouble of people installing programs...although with C++, it's not very likely...can you do a system restore?

No luck with Zipped content so far...
And I have restored as far back as I could, still no change
>_<

Hmmm,
My Vista 64-bit came pre-installed on my laptop, but the recovery discs are only for a complete system restore, but I have heard that using the Vista disc itself would allow you to do an "In place upgrade", basically re-installing core-system files without modifying personal files/settings...

Seeing as to how this means I have an OEM version,
would I be able to use Vista disc of the same addition [although retail] in order to preform said upgrade and hopefully repair damaged files?

[Helpmeh]

Hmmm,
My Vista 64-bit came pre-installed on my laptop, but the recovery discs are only for a complete system restore, but I have heard that using the Vista disc itself would allow you to do an "In place upgrade", basically re-installing core-system files without modifying personal files/settings...

Seeing as to how this means I have an OEM version,
would I be able to use Vista disc of the same addition [although retail] in order to preform said upgrade and hopefully repair damaged files?

1. I think that might be the only thing that might work, although it's still possible that might not even work...
2.You could try it. Backup any essential files to a flash-drive etc. and go.

[BC_Programmer]

can you install it via Safe mode?

[DarkLord1020]

can you install it via Safe mode?

Nope,
tried that...
Same error

I tried using a sandbox to find, isolate, and copy every file created and installed during the Visual C++ installer on another Vista machine, and attempted to transfer them over,
but...
As everyone knows,
you can't write to the WINsxs folder,
so that idea fell flat on its face
=[


So far, this community has provided the most help btw
=D

Anyone else have any ideas?
My father needs this computer fixed soon...
And...
An in place upgrade isn't happening soon...
[seeing as to how I still need to find someone with the disc]

[BC_Programmer]

what about sfc /scannow?


Sorry, I'm starting to run out of ideas here.

[DarkLord1020]

what about sfc /scannow?


Sorry, I'm starting to run out of ideas here.

It's ok,
and I greatly appreciate the effort,
I'll be contributing back to this great community. =)

as for the SFC...
I ran it [several times] already, and it always detects corrupted files,
but is unable to repair them.

CHKDSK as well,
no changed, unfortunately.

I am working on getting the Vista CD for an in place recovery upgrade,
but in the meantime,
I'm open to new suggestions and will inform those interested on how they go.
=)

[Dias de verano]

I just didn't think that how I got to the problem would help,
figured the problem itself was all you guys needed...

A lot of people do that, and it is SO annoying. Some even get weird with you when you ask for the missing information and write stuff like "Just tell me the answer! Do you know or not?" etc. This often happens when they have a reason for keeping quiet about what exactly it was they were doing before the problem started. Sometimes they get curiously unspecific and write stuff like

tools for many different operations,

As if we had never heard of Google or hacking kits. 

Basically, "DarkLord",    you downloaded NOTORIOUS hacking tools which only come from (very) dubious sources and guess what? You got hacked! This thread needs editing by a mod so that names of hacking tools are removed so that script kiddies cannot get ideas.

[BC_Programmer]

ahhh...


reading it again I'm surprised it didn't "click" for me either.

hacker toolsets almost ALWAYS come with a free infection. Which is Ironic, if you think about it.

[mroilfield]

after some "experimenting"

My father needs this laptop for his work...
and it has been out of commission for almost a week now,

Why do people always want to "Experiment" on comps that they don't want to or shouldn't mess up?

Any serious person that wants to "experiment" with a comp should have one that they don't mind screwing up. If they don't have an extra one then they shouldn't try to fix it if it isn't broke.

[Dias de verano]

ahhh...


reading it again I'm surprised it didn't "click" for me either.

hacker toolsets almost ALWAYS come with a free infection. Which is Ironic, if you think about it.

The people who download them are, by doing that, self-identifying as folks who just always wanted to be in a bot net... kinda funny really

[Helpmeh]

A lot of people do that, and it is SO annoying. Some even get weird with you when you ask for the missing information and write stuff like "Just tell me the answer! Do you know or not?" etc. This often happens when they have a reason for keeping quiet about what exactly it was they were doing before the problem started. Sometimes they get curiously unspecific and write stuff like

As if we had never heard of Google or hacking kits. 

Basically, "DarkLord",    you downloaded NOTORIOUS hacking tools which only come from (very) dubious sources and guess what? You got hacked! This thread needs editing by a mod so that names of hacking tools are removed so that script kiddies cannot get ideas.

(Prog. Name) is notorious? I honestly have no clue what it does, other than the name which tells me it merges to files together...and I have no clue how that can even work either...

[Dias de verano]

(Prog. Name) is notorious? I honestly have no clue what it does, other than the name which tells me it merges to files together...and I have no clue how that can even work either...

an exejoiner is a tool for wrapping a virus and a common program like a media player together and disguising the whole thing so it looks like the familiar program. Icon, name, everything. The victim runs the media player and at the same time the hidden virus program (the "payload") is also run silently. Remember all those "how do I run a program silently?" threads on here?

You have to remember we aren't talking about real hackers here, we're talking about spotty teenage dorks who fancy being hackers but don't actually have any programming skills worth mentioning, and also who are too dumb or lazy to get any. Real hackers don't download kits from torrent sites. Only stupid dumb kids do that. And the real hackers know that, so they seed the hacking kits with trojans. Ha ha. Old motto: "If you want to sup with the devil, use a very long spoon."

[DarkLord1020]

an exejoiner is a tool for wrapping a virus and a common program like a media player together and disguising the whole thing so it looks like the familiar program. Icon, name, everything. The victim runs the media player and at the same time the hidden virus program (the "payload") is also run silently. Remember all those "how do I run a program silently?" threads on here?

You have to remember we aren't talking about real hackers here, we're talking about spotty teenage dorks who fancy being hackers but don't actually have any programming skills worth mentioning, and also who are too dumb or lazy to get any. Real hackers don't download kits from torrent sites. Only stupid dumb kids do that. And the real hackers know that, so they seed the hacking kits with trojans. Ha ha. Old motto: "If you want to sup with the devil, use a very long spoon."

Now I understand where you're coming from, but if you're applying it to me...Just, no.

For one, I got the set off the site itself, and I'm 99% sure that the author of the program wouldn't want to harm his reputation by deciding to lace his long-running tool-set with trojans...just to eliminate the Skiddies. Yeah, real "notorious".
I downloaded the tools, yes. Am I trying to go around being a 1337 hack3r thinking I own the world with some port scanning tools?
Ha, no...

I'm interested in hacking, so I figured I would start out with some simple tools and see how they work, etc...
In comes the problem,
instead of taking the minute or two to write a quick batch command that would display some simple message to verify that the binding of the EXE's worked...I just threw together the first two EXE's I saw, which happened to be those two installers.

I am 99% sure that this isn't an computer infection,
just a case of corrupted system files that I am attempted to restore...

So to answer these questions-
I'm not a hacker, I couldn't care less about Botnets, and "Dias de verano", if you have nothing better to do than to sit here and run your mouth [or rather, fingers] off about some "assumption" when in reality you have no idea what you're talking about, I would assume that you are just as bad [if not worse] than these "spotty teenage dorks", or "stupid dumb kids" [redundant much?] that you seem to despise so much. If you're not here to help or contribute, why bother posting at all? Seriously?

[BC_Programmer]

I am 99% sure that this isn't an computer infection,
just a case of corrupted system files that I am attempted to restore...

Then your sorted then.

and "Dias de verano", if you have nothing better to do than to sit here and run your mouth [or rather, fingers] off about some "assumption" when in reality you have no idea what you're talking about, I would assume that you are just as bad [if not worse] than these "spotty teenage dorks", or "stupid dumb kids" [redundant much?] that you seem to despise so much.

Difference being he actually knows what he's doing.

[DarkLord1020]

Then your sorted then.


Difference being he actually knows what he's doing.

Not exactly sorted out,
I know what the problem is...
I just need help fixing it, but apparently some people here don't take kindly to newcommers.

What I mean by he doesn't know what he is talking about is that he has no idea what my intentions were by downloading said toolset,
and don't like how he barged in, labeled me as some "stupid dumb" lowlife skiddie and such...
I simply came here for help...aaannd...yeah

Back to be being on-topic rather than sit here bashing each other [seeing as to how more than half of the people who get this problem never seem to get it resolved due to lack of consistent posting]

I managed to borrow a Vista Home Premium 64-bit disc with SP1 slipstreamed into it,
and attempted to perform the in place upgrade.

Now obviously, seeing as to how I already have SP1 installed on my machine, I cannot "upgrade".
I then tried to uninstall SP1, but...None of the methods so far have worked,
-It doesn't come up in Uninstall System Updates
- I can't roll back far enough
- and the command line entry referencing the C:\Temp folder doesn't work because I have cleaned it out since the update...

So instead of sitting here bashing each other... can't we just try to solve this problem not only for myself, but for the countless others I'm sure will end up with a similar problem? [Seriously, so many people, yet no "simple" fix]

[BC_Programmer]

backup format and reinstall.

That's a fairly surefire cure.

[patio]

If you already had SP1 installed and the SP1 slipstream DVD didn't work than the slipstream was not done properly...
What app was used on the slipstream DVD ? ?

[DarkLord1020]

If you already had SP1 installed and the SP1 slipstream DVD didn't work than the slipstream was not done properly...
What app was used on the slipstream DVD ? ?

The program used was Vlite, following this guide:

http://www.labnol.org/software/tutorials/slipstream-vista-sp1-bootable-windows-vista-dvd-integrated/2750/

Should I try doing it again,
or is there an error [or some update to the procedure] that I need to be aware of?

[patio]

That's the guide i used...worked for me.

[Dias de verano]

I am 99% sure that this isn't an computer infection,

I'm 99% sure this isn't a wound, just a hole in my body that's leaking blood...

[mroilfield]

I'm 99% sure this isn't a wound, just a hole in my body that's leaking blood...

[Dias de verano]

http://babyface.name/2008/02/10/application-failed-to-start-because-side-by-side-configuration-is-incorrect/

[patio]

From Dias' Link:

I believe this problem can also occur when you build an application on one platform, i.e. XP in debug mode, and run it on another, i.e. Vista.

[Alana_M72]

were you taking the (exe.) of the file from C:/Program Files/ ? if you were taking the files from here there is your problem right there NEVER unless you REALLY know what you are doing touch the files in your (C: ) drive

If your were taking the files from your (C: ) than there is no other way to fix your problem that feesing up to your father tell him what you have done his computer it will need to be taken to an IT expert and his computer will need to be completely cleared of what ever is on it and then a clean copy of windows will have to be put back on for operation!

[louise071]

Main reason i can see this not working for you is you are moving from a 32bit OS to 64bit...

[BC_Programmer]

were you taking the (exe.) of the file from C:/Program Files/ ? if you were taking the files from here there is your problem right there NEVER unless you REALLY know what you are doing touch the files in your (C: ) drive

If your were taking the files from your (C: ) than there is no other way to fix your problem that feesing up to your father tell him what you have done his computer it will need to be taken to an IT expert and his computer will need to be completely cleared of what ever is on it and then a clean copy of windows will have to be put back on for operation!

I had a much longer post here, but I decided to summarize it.

This is the most inept, niave, and presumptious post I have ever read. Also, honestly I'm not sure why the IT experts computer would need to be completely cleared. But I guess that's why we're not IT experts.