Vista - 32-bit process won't launch on Vista 64

Ok, so this is the weirdest error ever. I installed SlySoft Virtual CloneDrive, as well as an update to Comodo Internet Security.

Both installers wanted me to install an unsigned driver, then for me to reboot. After I rebooted, I could not open any 32-bit programs. I have no clue why. I uninstalled Virtual CloneDrive, but I still cannot open 32-bit programs.

It's so weird, I can open 64-bit programs just fine, but I try to open a 32-bit program, nothing happens. If I boot into Safe Mode, I can open 32-bit (and 64-bit) programs, but I cannot open 32-bit programs normally.

Since I can run 32-bit programs in Safe Mode, I think it is a driver issue, or something that Safe Mode does not load that Vista does normally.

Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone know a fix?

Thanks.

P.S. I am running Vista Business SP2 Beta

Hi,

Since some time I have the same problem. The simptoms are absolutely the same. But there is more - if I restart windows several times it can go normal, but if one of my 32 application crashes - the other 32 bit programs won't start anymore. I think there is some process that is one for all 32 bit applications and if one of the applications (for example in start up) crashes - this process hangs up and will not start the others 32 bit applications. On my machine it helps to restart several times! I have searched for this problem but didn't found anything...

Do you have any idea what the one process for all 32-bit programs is?

If no x86 (32-bit) programs will open or execute in Vista- You have somehow corrupted Windows. Use system restore, and restore to a point before the problem occured.

Here is the problem with unsigned drivers in 64-bit Windows, by default as a security precaution they are not allowed to load at startup. 32-bit drivers will not install period.

Run unsigned drivers in x64 vista:unsigned drivers

How can I tell which driver is being blocked?

If unsigned, all are. See tutorial above, or restore Windows.

I'll give that a go.

To Disable signed driver check at startup:
run these commands at elevated command prompt and unsigned drivers will run no need to f8 on reboot

start> in search, type cmd>right click program, click "run as administrator"> click "continue">copy/past the below command to enable/disable test mode> hit enter.

Bcdedit.exe /set TESTSIGNING ON

Bcdedit.exe /set TESTSIGNING OFF

note- this will leave a watermark:“Test Mode”

But I have not installed any unsigned drivers, and I have same symptoms. I have several 32 bit programs in startup, so most of the time they are started and loaded properly. But there is situation that if for unknown reason one of the startup programs will not start(I can see some strange messages in application log) then no other 32 bit application will start anymore, before I restart windows again several time! Why 32 bit programs are dependant of each other ? What for phenomena is there ?

They are not. Are you using a registry cleaner by chance?
What you are describing is a failure of Windows (svchost.exe for example), and/or Windows corruption. I suggest Restore and/or repair/re-install if the problem cannot be fixed by restoring.