Vista - 32 bit programs have stopped working!!!

Hi everyone,

I have a rather odd problem. I've had Vista Ultimate (or whatever the 64 bit version is called) installed on my computer for almost a year now. Everything has worked perfectly until fairly recently. I noticed that one of my startup programs had stopped working (SoundMax32) and was showing up as an application error. This was around the time I installed the 64 bit version of iTunes, so I figured maybe my audio settings had been changed. The computer continued to work for another 2 weeks, and then yesterday, completely out of the blue, ALL of my programs (startup and otherwise) have stopped loading and are showing the application error message.

The thing I don't get is that Vista still boots up with no problems. I thought initially that the problem was limited to my 32 bit applications, but IE 64 bit doesn't work either?

I'm about 2 days from just reformatting and doing a complete reinstall. But if anyone has any answers I would be grateful.

And no, I did not install any application between the last bootup that was fine, and the one yesterday. I've run windows update and updated everything but the programs still will not load (I'm writing this from my laptop because IE and Firefox give me the same error message). It is very bizarre.

Any help please!

cerebus777:

Have you tried doing a System Restore to a point before when
the SoundMax32 quit?

Ardneh

Can you copy & paste here the error that your apps show?

Thanks for replying Ardneh. Yes, unfortunately I've restoreed to 4 different points (one of which was about 6 months ago)! I'm thinking a full reinstall might be easiest, but what would I do with registered programs like World of Warcraft, and Steam? I guess Steam would be okay. The real fear is that if I am not able to identify the problem, it could easily happen again.

Thank you for your reply CyberZeus. Unfortunately, I can't paste screen shots becuase my "Paint" program won't load. I can write down the error messages if you think that might help. I'll see what I can do and post them manually.

Hello cerebus777,
You can repair the Vista file system without re-installing and losing all your data.
Take a look at these two tutorials, if there are damaged files they can either be repaired or replaced.
If any of the repair options don't work in normal bootup try safe mode.
You may want to check for malware and clean your registry. I have included links to two free programs that will do just that. (back up your registry when prompted).
Scan with Malwarebytes first, then use CCleaner.
Hope this helps, good luck and post your results.

Malwarebytes.org

CCleaner - Download

Tutorials.

Startup Repair

System Files - SFC Command

Well, I don't know what to say, except perhaps that you, stoneys, are a god.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I followed the links you provided and it turns out that the sfc scannow command fixed my computer right up! There were a few files it couldn't repair, but after seeing what is involved in accessing files from the Vista DVD, I think I'll take my chances. All of my settings are in tact, the programs run. It's fantastic!!!! Thank you again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll send a thank you to Brink separately...

Your welcome. Glad you got it fixed.