Aero Broken because of WindowsCodecs.dll

Necrosis · Sep 11, 2010, 10:07 PM

My computer has been off for a few days so I get on to do some work.

I receive this error message after the startup screen:

Quote:

\Windows\system32\WindowsCodecs.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support.

It comes up a couple of times then boots to my desktop. I noticed Aero is totally broken.

I've tried restoring, sfc/scannow, verified no malware is present or running, and tried to do a startup fix from the installation DVD. The only reason I can think this is happened is I downloaded the latest update for Total Media Theater 3. I tried reinstalling that too w/ no success.

I'm running Windows 7 Professional x64. Would anyone know how to fix this? Also if you have the same version of windows and wouldn't mind emailing me your windowscodecs.dll I'll appreciate it. If so please reply to this post, and I will PM you my email address.

Thanks for any help!

RoyBatty · Sep 12, 2010, 09:10 AM

Open (7-Zip can do that) the sources\install.wim file from the W7 installation DVD - the windowscodecs.dll is there. Hope that helps, from what you have tried already it seems that windows reinstall would be the only remaining option.

Necrosis · Nov 28, 2010, 12:11 PM

Thanks sorry for the late reply w/ my company being bought out busy doesn't define how crazy life has been. I tried this and couldn't get the files to copy over. In fact I STILL NEED to reload windows. Pretty sad isn't it? Just no time for much of anything any more.

RoyBatty · Nov 28, 2010, 03:15 PM

Maybe it could be done in safe mode if Windows prevents overwriting the file. Or use some Linux live CD.

Necrosis · Nov 28, 2010, 03:34 PM

Tried safe mode too. I just need to reload basically am due for it anyway. The hard part is finding the time to do it.

Sep 12, 2010, 09:10 AM	#2
RoyBatty HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 1,941 Rep Power: 122 System Specs	Re: Aero Broken because of WindowsCodecs.dll Open (7-Zip can do that) the sources\install.wim file from the W7 installation DVD - the windowscodecs.dll is there. Hope that helps, from what you have tried already it seems that windows reinstall would be the only remaining option.

Nov 28, 2010, 12:11 PM	Thread Starter #3
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Re: Aero Broken because of WindowsCodecs.dll Thanks sorry for the late reply w/ my company being bought out busy doesn't define how crazy life has been. I tried this and couldn't get the files to copy over. In fact I STILL NEED to reload windows. Pretty sad isn't it? Just no time for much of anything any more.

Nov 28, 2010, 03:15 PM	#4
RoyBatty HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 1,941 Rep Power: 122 System Specs	Re: Aero Broken because of WindowsCodecs.dll Maybe it could be done in safe mode if Windows prevents overwriting the file. Or use some Linux live CD.

Nov 28, 2010, 03:34 PM	Thread Starter #5
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Re: Aero Broken because of WindowsCodecs.dll Tried safe mode too. I just need to reload basically am due for it anyway. The hard part is finding the time to do it.