Paradox Launcher not a valid Win32 application

[ChromePoison]

When trying to install EU4 or CK3 on my new Windows 11 PC, I keep getting this error that "MSIEA5D.tmp is not a valid Win32 application." It will then pop up as "MSIB632.tmp is not a valid Win32 application" or some other number before the Paradox Launcher v2 setup wizard crashes. I have tried everything I've seen on the internet to fix this. I haven't had this issue with any other program yet. Thanks for whatever help anyone may provide.

 

[AndrewT]

Please delete the contents ONLY of that C:\Windows\Installer\ folder, but NOT the folder itself. They are only temp files.
To see that folder you'll need to enable View Hidden Items in File Explorer.

Or if that folder is missing, try making it manually.

Good luck!

 

[Ryeloc]

Please delete the contents ONLY of that C:\Windows\Installer\ folder, but NOT the folder itself. They are only temp files.
To see that folder you'll need to enable View Hidden Items in File Explorer.

Or if that folder is missing, try making it manually.

Good luck!

I'm having the same error as well, on a new windows 11 install. Tried what you said, about deleting the files in the installer folder, but still get the same error.

 

[AndrewT]

I don't know what that would be. The folder is definitely there, and you can,delete its contents okay?

You might try this Windows repair tool

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files - Microsoft Support

Describes how to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files in Windows.

support.microsoft.com

 

[Parvis]

Same issues as the people above me.

New Windows 11 PC, get same error.

Followed the repair tool.

No issues found, restarted anyway, same issue still.

Anything else you can think of?

 

[AndrewT]

Same issues as the people above me.

New Windows 11 PC, get same error.

Followed the repair tool.

No issues found, restarted anyway, same issue still.

Anything else you can think of?

Was that folder there and you emptied it, but that didn't help? Or it was not there, and making it manually didn't help?

See if this tool helps:

Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool is available - Microsoft Support

Describes the .NET Framework Repair Tool and how to obtain it.

support.microsoft.com

 

[Parvis]

The folder was there and I emptied it but it didn't seem to help.

The repair tool doesn't seem to be able to help either.

 

[AndrewT]

I don't understand why you get that error then, it makes no sense.

What if you make a new Windows user and log into Windows as that? Will it install then?

 

[Parvis]

No, still no luck with creating a new windows user and trying to install it on their account.

Tried all the above again, nothing seems to work.

 

[Aiello]

Came here to say I have the same issue. Brand new PC with fresh Windows 11 install. Tried all of the above fixes to no avail.

 

[AndrewT]

Then I'm out of ideas as to what is wrong in the Windows installation infrastructure to cause this, I am sorry! Try this updated launcher instead:

https://launcher.paradoxinteractive.com/v2/paradox-launcher-installer-windows

 

[Parvis]

Nope, I'm afraid that didn't solve anything either...

It worked fine on my previous windows 10 PC, it's clearly something to do with windows 11 if everybody else's PC's are something to go by.

 

[AndrewT]

I think we'll need developer help with this, hopefully they are back on deck next week. Could you please do the following? It will generate a debug log that the launcher team can use to "deep dive" into what actually happens with the launcher.

• Right click the game in question in Steam > Properties > Launch Options
• Paste in this: --pdxlDebug
• Run the game
• Once it fails to launch, locate the logs:

%LocalAppData%\Paradox Interactive\launcher-v2\logs\
(example: C:\Users\{user}\AppData\Local\Paradox Interactive\launcher-v2\logs\)

Please attach all logs in that folder


@Deuterium Oxide we're getting this c:\windows\installer\ error more and more now; it may be only on Windows 11 (but I don't think on ALL Win 11 installations).

 

[Parvis]

I've done as you asked.

Let me know if you need anything else.

 

[Parvis]

Any chance of getting an update on this?

 

[depth453]

Same problem here, just build my new PC with Win11, and keep getting the same error "MSIEA5D.tmp is not a valid Win32 application."
Manually running the launcher install msi files, same errors.
Is there any fix/work around for this issue?

 

[AndrewT]

Same problem here, just build my new PC with Win11, and keep getting the same error "MSIEA5D.tmp is not a valid Win32 application."
Manually running the launcher install msi files, same errors.
Is there any fix/work around for this issue?

Did you try posts #8 and #11 above?

If so can we get the logs from post #13 please.

 

[depth453]

Did you try posts #8 and #11 above?

If so can we get the logs from post #13 please.

Already tried all the methods mentioned in this post, and any other ways I could found on the web.

 

[Rebox-O-Lots]

I definitely think it's an issue with Windows 11 & the Paradox launcher, at first I had "MSI188C.tmp" but now I get "MSI9A68.tmp". It seems to change every time I attempt to reinstall the launcher.

Edit: It's likely that a software patch needs to be released for the Paradox launcher to be compatible with Windows 11. I've even tried extracting the files in the Windows installer and manually creating a path in my %appdata%\local\Paradox Interactive. When I did this I could open the launcher, but there seemed to be no way for it to find my EUIV.

 

[ErikaUdonn]

same here. I download the latest installer from paradox website, but it still doesn't work, same error as other mentioned. Fresh windows 11 install on new PC build, and it definitely something wrong with the installer.