Bad Image Error message pops up every time

Question

Following error pops up everytime I am trying to run some installed programs on my computer.

I tried to uninstall those programs but system is not allowing me to uninstall. I also tried to restore my system in safe mode but there are no restore points being shown. The system is not allowing to run any exe file and gives error. Is it a virus or some Windows update error? Can anybody please provide help.

Answer 1

Hi Sindu. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

Do you have the discontinued Windows Essentials program Movie Maker installed still? It will generate that error until it's uninstalled.

Check at Settings > Apps > Apps & Features to see if it's still installed and uninstall it, restart PC to check if error goes away.

If not then something else is causing it. See this tutorial:

https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-fix-msimg32-dll...

Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, and is also the most stable method to advance to the latest version. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

I am not going to write them all out again, some for the third or fourth time. Go back to the top of this thread and perform each step in order. If you can't perform the step then move on. If you need help performing any step I will be here to help you.

I was waiting for you to reply back with the results of the multiple repairs I gave in my first post last night. You gave me a bad rating without even attempting to do any of the repairs. Now you say you dont' even know there were repairs offered. So go back and work through them now, just like everyone else I've helped successfully for ten years over 100,000 times in forums.

If you will not perform the steps then I will release the thread and you can try your luck with someone else or take it to a shop where the minimum charge in $150 and they will almost always reinstall WIndows with less than half as good of an install as what I can help you do if necessary. It's your decision.

Answer 3

Were you going to reply to my post, which I took time to research for you, or just give me a bad rating?

Answer 4

Thank you for your replies.

I get a bit overwhelmed reading your replies. Can you please tell the methods one by one rather than in one go? I really cannot find any "Repair" thing above.

In the meanwhile I ran sfc/scannow in cmd prompt in safe mode. It said it detected some errors but could not fix it. Problems still remain. I cannot install anything in the computer or run exe files. I cannot access cmd prompt admin mode without safe mode.

Answer 5

Then you'll need to go into Repair Mode (not Safe Mode) to run System Restore, try the new unisntall Updates button, or do a Reset, following one of these methods to access the Repairs:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

It may be necessary to create bootable media to access Advanced Startup Options or do the Clean install:

To create Windows 10 Installation Media on another PC install Media Creation Tool and follow the directions here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m.... Uncheck the box for Recommended Settings to choose the exact version and bit rate for the target PC only.

Insert media, boot it by powering up PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first.

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, on second screen choose Repair Your Computer, then Advanced Troubleshoot Options, then System Restore, or the new Uninstall Updates button. If that fails go back to Troubleshoot Options to try a Reset.

If that fails choose Install Now, then Custom Install, then at the drive selection screen delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, click Next to let it create needed partitions and start install - this makes it foolproof. Everything needed to get the best possible Clean Install is here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.... It is a better install than any amount of money can buy and a great learning experience that will make you the master of your PC because you will learn what works best and how to apply it with your own hands.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.