Thesis Question: Am I completely Cooked?

 

I'm having some issues with re-installing AP11, My error code is -2147163964

I've so far done all of these:
- Uninstall .NET framework and reinstall it
- Uninstall C++ 2015 - 2022 Redistributable both x86 and x64, I haven't modified 2013 or earlier yet
- Cleared All ACID Related Items out of the Registry, AppData Folder, Program Files across all Drives
- Updated Windows 11 (Unfortunately it still sucks if you haven't updated it yet)
- Cleared the MagixDownloads Folder under the documents folder

I did have an error code of -74, or -76 before I uninstalled AP whenever I tried to launch it so then, the perilous journey began. I am attaching a screen shot of my Realtime 15FPS POV of what all I got going on.

thank you

Solution Thesis: You might be cooked, but there is a wacky solution.

You should know: Error -2147163964 is a corrupted data error that is not usually related to ACID or Magix but the .net framework or a potentially C++ redistribution.

Solution:

1. Microsoft.NET packages

You'll first want to check if your .Net framework is installed, by default Windows already enables .net frameworks

On Windows 10/11 you'll need to navigate to the control panel for this and click "Turn Windows Features on or off" A small dialog box will appear like below.

If one or both of the boxes are ticked/checked off then that means you already have that .net package installed. To uninstall them you'll just untick them.

Another window will appear (I don't have a photo, and I just got everything working again so I'm not going to risk it) That will essentially show the progress bar of the installation of the .net framework.

Things to note: If the installation or uninstallation is taking a long time as in 30 minutes or more - You may want to stop and go to

https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet-framework

And download the .net framework manually. If the installation on the .net framework also is taking a long time or comes up with errors, This is a sign that you may want to start backing up your PC and thinking about refreshing it. The data may be corrupted, and for some odd reason Windows cannot correct the error.

2. C++ Packages

Next, you then want to try uninstalling the C++ Redistributable. The AP11 installer on a clean installation says it needs C++ 2013 & C++ 2017. You can locate these in your settings app on Windows 10 & 11 under apps

Search for C++ and look for C++ Redistributable 2013 and C++ Redistributable 2017

Uninstall both of 'em and get 'em outta there.

Next try running the installer again, I say don't go online and look to install them because the AP11 will automatically go and get the packages to install them.

If this step fails to install ACID again, you may need to clear out all the data from previous attempts.

3. Cleaning House, The Registry, The Downloads, The Program Files

The Registry:

First and foremorst:
DO NOT MODIFY ANY OF THE REGISTRY KEYS FOLLOW THIS PROCESS TO AVOID SENDING WINDOWS TO THE POINT OF NO RETURN

Locate Your HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Folder then locate SOFTWARE click on the folder to open it.

click edit -> Find

and type in Magix or ACID, Delete ONLY the Magix and ACID Folders
You can - delete the keyes one by one if you have time to kill, but it is much more efficient to just delete the folders all together

The registry is a critical part of how Windows operates, think of the registry like it is a list to a nightclub. By taking ACID off the list of Software Local Machine keyes, you're essentially making windows believe ACID was never on the computer because it has no documentation of AP11 being there.

- Look in Program Files
One of the attempt installations I found left over data inside the ACID folder, these were just large .tmp files holding in place of what the installer left behind.
Windows 10 & 11 have 2 Folders for program files, by default they're on the C:\ Drive under Program Files and Program Files x86

navigate to both of them and delete the ACID Folder.

- Look in your Downloads / Magix Downloads

Magix Downloads are found in your Documents\Magix Downloads
On a very rare fault, the Magix provided AP11 installer may have not downloaded correctly and same goes with the AP11 individual installer - It's best for keep sake to clear those out too

after clearing all of the magix software out, attempt to install AP11
If AP11 fails again it may actually be a deeper issue. You have really two options both will kinda lead you to the same place if more failed attempts continue.

You can A:

Try uninstalling/installing another software, I just happened to use Unreal Engine and Visual Studio so for this example I will be using that for reference.

When modifying another software and you get the exact same error, look up its dependencies. If you find any similar packages with C++ then try repeating section 2. C++ Packages. If you find any similar packages with C# or the .net framework try repeating section 1. Microsoft.net Packages

But you can also try B:

Updating a game via steam or it's launcher. Most games are written in C++ or C# and launchers, and steam will also try to fix any pre-requisite software.

If both A and B fail, and you come to the conclusion that the issue is across multiple Applications and Software you are going to need to refresh windows.

4. Refreshing Windows

Windows allows you to refresh your PC with a reinstallation of Windows, this is done under the Windows Update section in settings under Advanced Options > Recovery > Reset this PC

Obviously, It's good to back up your files to an external hard-drive

BUT, if you have the room and an extra internal drive you can move files to the other drive and choose to just clear the C: drive

Then you can select all the other options you want and wait for your PC to refresh.

After you refresh, you are now on a clean slate and should be able to reinstall AP11 again