cannot stop program trying to start after reboot

Wobitancrawfodi · 24 Feb 2020

I tried to install a game yesterday. It said the installation files are corrupt and to buy the game again

Now every time I reboot my system setup.exe fails every time, telling me the installation files are corrupt.

The restarting of apps after a reboot is something I've never been fond of, now it's driving me insane. I can't find how to stop this. The files don't even exist on my system anymore, and the installation DVD is not loaded, so I don't know where it's even getting this setup.exe from.

I've removed all references to the file from the registry (that I could find), and I've scanned my system for any of the files. Nothing exists.

Game was GTA V.

How do I stop this error?

Caledon Ken · 24 Feb 2020

You could try Autoruns (part of Sysinternals). I would Image before going to far.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sys...loads/autoruns

Assumed you checked the Startup tab in Task manager.

Wobitancrawfodi · 24 Feb 2020

Yes. And I checked the \Run keys under HKCU, HKLM.

After more investigation, the path to the executable is C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727. The program crashing is vbc.exe. Which is why I cant find setup.exe anywhere.

It is reference in the registry at Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\bam\State\UserSettings\S-1-5-21-1972058309-3731701569-3657155102-1001

But I can't delete the specific key \Device\HarddiskVolume6\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\vbc.exe

Even running in safe mode.

I'll give Autoruns a go, and if that doesn't work, looks like I'm going to have to restore my system from an old image.

Problem is my son was first to try the install, and I don't have a recent image for his PC

Caledon Ken · 24 Feb 2020

I do not like to mess with registry. Since you have image of at least your system.

Change Owner of File, Folder, Drive, or Registry Key in Windows 10

Not recommending but I was aware of this ownership tutorial. Option 4.

Changing permissions can have adverse impacts.

The first thing I would do is an inplace repair with 1809 boot media (I think I saw in specs you are using 1809) Adjust according to the version you are using.

I would also Image you son's right now.

Maintenance...... always a pain.

f14tomcat · 24 Feb 2020

A suggestion for finding some possibly hidden or obscure parts of that game, including registry entries. Get the 30 day trial offer of Revo Uninstaller Pro and do a forced uninstall based on what you know about the game. It's name, location, some keywords maybe. Revo is very good at ferreting out hidden entries. After the 30 days, it just reverts to free version, won't beat you up to go buy something. Also, what it does remove from the registry, if anything, it keeps a backup copy, just in case.

It's free.

Revo Uninstaller Pro - uninstall

Wobitancrawfodi · 24 Feb 2020

@f14tomcat. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll take a look at it.

Caledon Ken said:

Changing permissions can have adverse impacts.

I agree. That's where I draw the line. Comfortable with working with the registry, but I try to stay away from changing permissions.

Autoruns located the nasty registry entry and I was able to delete it. Rebooted and looking good.

I'll run autoruns on my son's PC before I image it :)

Thank you gentlemen.

Caledon Ken · 25 Feb 2020

You are welcome.

Good luck.