Unable to start PICC compiler and other executables [Solved]

[julienm]

I have not run the IDE for a couple months and today when I launch it I have this error


Starting ccsdownload.exe gives me


Any idea what I should do?

[Ttelmah]

What is the type and value for this registry entry?.

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize\UI Theme

I'd suggest you delete your theme and reinstall it.

How to re-install is covered here:

<https://windowsreport.com/windows-cant-find-files-theme/>

[julienm]

Thanks for your reply
The key "Ui Theme" does not exist on my computer.
I have never installed any windows theme. I did force the default one just in case but the issue persists

[Ttelmah]

I would re download the standard themes.
Something in your system on the theme settings is corrupted.
The standard themes in Win10, are
Windows
Windows 10
Flowers

These should all be listed under the 'default themes' tab.

How to access the themes from the store is covered here:
<https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5894-change-theme-windows-10-a.html>

[julienm]

The default themes are present. I followed your link but it shows how to add custom themes, not how I can reinstall the default ones.

I asked a colleague to check his registry and he doesn't have the "Ui Theme" key.

[Ttelmah]

Problem is that the themes being 'present', does not mean the contents
are correct. Try changing to a different one (odds are that only one is
damaged).
You should be able to download the default themes from the Windows
store. You have to be logged in as administrator to do this though.
Do a sfc /scannow from the administrator command prompt.

[Ttelmah]

[julienm]

I have switched between default themes and executed sfc.exe /scannow but without any progress unfortunately

[Ttelmah]

In your original post, you referred to 'and other executables'. Like what?.
There are a number of reasons for Windows stopping running executables,
but most don't give the error message you reported. Typically:
1) Certain Malware....
2) Associations changed.
3) Theme problems.
4) User profile corruption.
5) Windows changes.

Now, hopefully you have some form of good anti-malware, and have scanned
the computer?.
The associations, I will come back to, if other things don't fix the problem. The symptoms don't look right for this.
Theme problems are what the symptom suggests, but it sounds now as
if these are not the issue.
User profile is definitely one to pursue. Create yourself a new user. Then try
running CCS from this user. If this works then we will have to look at
recovering your old profile.
Windows changes. How long ago had you last used the IDE?.
There was a major change that caused a lot of issues on some Windows
machines in May. (Version 2004). There have been a very large number
of fixes for this since then. If it was before this 'feature update', then
I'd suggest making sure that you machine has got all the incremental
updates after this, and then try uninstalling the IDE, and re-installing
(making sure to use the 'run as administrator' option for the install).
This change does alter some security features, and it may be that your
particular combination is giving a security issue when trying to access the
DLL's.

[temtronic]

I'm sorry the original poster has a NIGHTMARE of a problem. Sadly, for him, it shows why a dedicated PC, NOT connected to the Internet is probably the best way to 'play with PICs'.
Hopefully you'll get it back 'up and running' soon, but it seems nobody is truly in control of Windows any more. This silly Win7U PC decided to change the taskbar background colour. I have idea why or how AND no easy way to fix it. My XP Pro machine 'magically' changed a USB port configuration, that only took 2-3 days to repair though I have no idea WHAT ap or program CHANGED it.

If you knew WHEN the problem happened, you might be able to restore Windows to a previous configuration. XP used to make weekly 'restore points', I haven't a clue if 7 or 10 or ?? does that.

[julienm]

After browsing through the registry I found a "UI Theme" key in Microsoft Office settings.
I changed my Office theme and I'm now able to run PICC Compiler.
Why would office settings affect PICC compiler? Not trying to blame anyone but I would say it has more to do with CCS than Microsoft.

Anyway the problem is solved.
Thanks for your help.

[temtronic]

Why ? because it's Windows ?? I have no idea. The last dealings I had with Microsoft was when I wrote (yes, a real paper letter) to Mr. Gates. About a week later, one of his VPs called me, said 'Bill left this on my desk, how can I help you ? 3 days later DHL dropped off about 30# of documentation.

I'd still look into getting a 'PIC only PC'. Up here 'old' desktops are free. Do a totally fresh install of Windows and compiler, disable all net access and you'll have a trouble free life after that.

[jeremiah]

[Ttelmah]

Office actually controls part of the Windows themes. It has it's own
themes that are used to do some things and to control some of the
system themes. It is tied to quite a few of the Windows functions.
The Office UI Theme setting controls quite a lot of stuff but gets overridden
by some parts of Office....
It's quite well known as causing problems.