Windows Photo Gallery Error

Hello all. If anyone can help me, I would appreciate it.

As of last night, I am not able to view any pictures on my computer. I open any folder I have pictures in. I can see the thumbnails all fine. When I double-click, or right-click or just in general try to view any pictures, I receive this error message:

Error loading C:\Program Files\Windows Photo Gallery\PhotoViewer.dll

C:\Program Files\Windows Photo Gallery\PhotoViewer.dll is not a valid Win32 application.


I have no idea how this came about, or how to fix it. I've tried rebooting from the install dvd, but the only way to repair according to that was to restore the entire computer.

Ive tried to restore to an earlier point, but the issue remains.

Ive done various command prompts and reboots, such as:
sfc /scannow

and I ran that as an administrator. It said:

Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

Does anyone have any info on how to fix this?

FYI, I am running Vista Home Premium 64bit, Service Pack 2

THANKS!

-jaybee

PS.

Searching in my comp, I have found two different folders for which there is a Windows Photo Gallery folder:

C:\Program Files\Windows Photo Gallery <--- this is the one producing the error

C:\Program Files (X86)\Windows Photo Gallery

If I open the x86 version of Windows Photo Gallery, I have no issues. But then, I've never used the program itself to view pictures. Vista just opens the picture directly. I cannot get my system to make this alt. version the default when right-clicking or double-clicking.

Hi JAYBEE,
Here is a nice program that is free that works just as well as Photo Gallery IrfanView - Official Homepage - one of the most popular viewers worldwide. In doing some quick research, it seems there is something buggy with Photo Gallery and Vista 64 Bit. If I run across anymore information I will post it for you.
Regards,
Gil777t

Gil777t said:

Hi JABEE,
Here is a nice program that is free that works just as well as Photo Gallery IrfanView - Official Homepage - one of the most popular viewers worldwide. In doing some quick research, it seems there is something buggy with Photo Gallery and Vista 64 Bit. If I run across anymore information I will post it for you.
Regards,
Gil777t

Click to expand...

Thanks Gil777t,

I actually have IrfranView already installed on my comp. Have had it for a while, actually. I use it from time to time.

Honestly, I don't want to replace the functionality I had with a different, third-party application. I would love to restore the computer to the way it was functioning previously.

-jaybee

HeyJayBee said:

Gil777t said:

Hi JABEE,
Here is a nice program that is free that works just as well as Photo Gallery IrfanView - Official Homepage - one of the most popular viewers worldwide. In doing some quick research, it seems there is something buggy with Photo Gallery and Vista 64 Bit. If I run across anymore information I will post it for you.
Regards,
Gil777t

Click to expand...

Thanks Gil777t,

I actually have IrfranView already installed on my comp. Have had it for a while, actually. I use it from time to time.

Honestly, I don't want to replace the functionality I had with a different, third-party application. I would love to restore the computer to the way it was functioning previously.

-jaybee

Click to expand...

I found this link here http://freecomputraining.com/computer-trainin/windows-photo-gallery-error/ that seems to address your specific problem.
Let me know, I will keep my eyes open for you.
Regards,
Gil777t

Gil777t said:

I found this link here Windows Photo Gallery Error | FREECOMPUTRAINING.COM that seems to address your specific problem.
Let me know, I will keep my eyes open for you.
Regards,
Gil777t

Click to expand...

That link looks as if it was just my original post re-purposed on that website! Now I really AM just going in circles!

I edited my original post to show some of the steps I've attempted.

HeyJayBee said:

Gil777t said:

I found this link here Windows Photo Gallery Error | FREECOMPUTRAINING.COM that seems to address your specific problem.
Let me know, I will keep my eyes open for you.
Regards,
Gil777t

Click to expand...

That link looks as if it was just my original post re-purposed on that website! Now I really AM just going in circles!

I edited my original post to show some of the steps I've attempted.

Click to expand...

Sorry I didn't check out the link at that website for their solution.
I usually read the link before I post as not to embarrass myself.
Obviously I had not. All other searches were fruitless. For my own education please post your final solution.
Regards,
Gil777t