2018 Side by side configuration error

Question

About a week ago I installed the latest Microsoft Update and since haven't been able to use some of my common programs.  The error reads:  

The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect. Please see the application event log or use the command-line sxstrace.exe tool for more detail.

I'm running windows 10 and the computer is about 3 months old so generally runs the latest software. 

What's impacted: 

I can't access word, powerpoint, excel. It appears the programs have been removed completely as the icons don't appear when I type to search for them.  Files also don't show their respective icons.  (I can open and use outlook and edge)

I use quickbooks on the computer and can't run the program due to the above error upon launch.

McAffee antivirus is on the computer and can't run due to the above error upon launch.

Problem:  

I can't install office, c++ updates, quickbooks without getting this side-by-side error(Don't think I can install anything).  I've tried nearly everything suggested in similar older threads.

Windows Installs: 

Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1709 for x64-based Systems KB4056892       on 1/28/2018 (date programs stopped working)

Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1709 for x64-based Systems KB4058258        on 2/4/2018 (no impact to errors I'm seeing)

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Had the same issue with CS4 Fireworks - turns out it needs an old version of the Visual C++ 

This article was a God's send:

http://www.pcerror-fix.com/solved-fix-side-side-configuration-error-windows-10

Answer 2

Hi!

I have the same issue. Just updating the system regularly. First time to experience the same thing with the sxstracer.exe which keeps appearing when trying to open desktop applications (like MS Office, DOTA 2, etc.). I tried following some instructions from previous similar issues with responses from customer support. It included on uninstalling and reinstalling Visual C++ Redistributable Packages from 2005 onwards. But to my findings, can't even install the said program without the same dialog box appearing every time. And when trying to remove the program, Error 1719 keeps appearing. My computer seems to be healthy as far as I know until that issue happened. I just noticed it when some of the icons on my taskbar disappeared out of the blue, very weird I said.

Was able to chat with a live agent from customer support. After screen remote and checking, the agent suggested on doing system restore. After loading, it just said that the process was interrupted, something like that which ended with nothing on my end, the system restore failed. I suppose I was stuck on the last update that it provided.

I am really desperate and frustrated by this because I keep the system of my computer healthy. Always up-to-date with all the security and cumulative updates provided by Windows.

One day I was using my computer normally (just updating actually), and the next time I used it, it was like that. I can't find the cause on my end because I literally wasn't doing anything or even reckless with it. I DON'T WANT TO END UP RESETTING MY COMPUTER EVEN IF IT'S THE LAST RESORT, takes a lot of time and process.

I hope this issue gets resolved soonest. I'm not even sure if the next update will be installed because that current system keeps rejecting installations because of an error.

Any response from the Microsoft team will be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God Speed. T_T

Answer 3

Update:  I've tried to uninstall Mcafee through "add or remove programs" in system settings unsuccessfully, receiving the same side by side error.

Also can't use web based uninstaller software because I have to "install" the uninstaller, and I can't install anything without seeing the side by side error.

Any alternative options?

Answer 4

Go to McAfee and get their uninstalling software and completely remove it.