GFWL crashes upon launch

Games for Windows Live.

The installation goes just fine, but when I try to launch it - I get a dialogue box that says that it has stopped working.

It doesn't give me any error code or anything, it just exits.

Any tips on how to fix would be greatly appreciated.

This happens to Paint.net, as well.

Except it's the installation setup that crashes.

 

Just found this for you, don't know if it will help you or not !

Some users have reported an issue with Games for Windows - LIVE (GfWL) causing Section 8 to crash on start-up with the message “Games for Windows Live failed to initialize” or similar GfWL error messages. These are most likely caused by an improper installation of GfWL, a conflicting network setting, or conflicts with virus scanning software.
In order to resolve this issue, please try the following in order:

1. Uninstall GfWL (Note: You must uninstall both "Games for Windows - Live" and "Games for Windows - Live Redist")
   • Vista: Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features
   • XP: Go to Control Panel > Add Remove Programs
2. Navigate to your System folder (32-bit systems: C:\WINDOWS\system32 64-bit systems: C:\WINDOWS\system64) and make sure the following are deleted from your PC:
   • xlive folder
   • xlive.dll
   • xlive.dll.cat
   • xlive.pdb
   • xlivefnt.dll
3. Reinstall the latest version of GfWL: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...FamilyID=9b3d84ca-15ef-4652-b7ad-540a25a38f89
4. Visit Microsoft’s GfWL FAQ: http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-US/Support/Pages/ogctechnicalIssues.aspx
5. Contact LIVE support at 1-877-274-4349
6. Turn your anti-virus software off
7. Ensure your router is set-up properly as per GfWL: http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-US/Support/Pages/ogctechnicalIssues.aspx

 

How would I do this for Windows 7?

 

Umm...I'm using a 64-bit system but I only see system32.

 

While I'm still working on the GFWL problem, how do I get to the application logs?

All I see is this.

 

Did everything you said, repeated it several times, and it still isn't working.

Really starting to lose my patience with this stuff.

 

Each and every time:

 

This is a pre-built computer, though.

I do not have a Windows installation disc.

 

Homemade, or OEM? If it's an OEM, do you have a Recovery Partition?

 

It's CyberPower, so OEM.

Recovery Partition?

 

What drives are listed in My Computer?

 

Where do I go for that?

Sorry, I'm not good at this stuff.

 

No problem - you're doing fine.

Click Start, then click Computer - your drives should be listed on the resulting page. What we're looking for is a drive or partition (other than C: or any CD/DVD/USB drives) that may contain the manufacturer's recovery or restoration software - most likely, it will be named 'Recovery', 'Restore', 'CyberPower', etc.

 

Okay, thanks.

Unfortunately, I do not see anything along those lines.

 

That ain't good.

You could try creating a system recovery disk (a quick tutorial for doing so is located here), and using the Repair option. This is problematic, however, since it's possible that core corruption could be carried over to the disk, and if you haven't backed up your system, you won't be able to use the Image Recovery option.

 

So there aren't any other ways for me to fix this without having to buy a Windows 7 disc?

 

Don't give up hope yet - sometimes you have to let these things simmer, and someone will stumble upon a resolution.

That being said: you might consider buying a licensed 7 version as a last resort - so far, the programs that are crashing are non-essential, but this might only be the tip of a growing iceberg.

 

So if I re-install Windows 7 using the latest licensed version, all problems should be resolved, correct?

 

I'm not sure if this will help find a solution, but here is a thread I made to try to fix a problem with .Net.

 

I'd be willing to bet that a format/reinstall of Windows will resolve all of your current software problems, and I see nothing that indicates any hardware troubles.

If you decide to go this route, be advised that you will lose all saved data, so make sure you backup anything you deem necessary. Also, heed the 'slow' advice: apply what you've learned to make this a better installation than the one before.

As far as the .NET and Games issues - save those for last.

 

So the best way is to just buy a Windows 7 installation package, eh?

Oh well, what's got to be done has got to be done.

The worst thing about this is that I don't even know how all this happened.

And yes, I will definitely take it slow and careful next time.

Well, I guess I'll go back up my stuff...

 

So how exactly do I reinstall it?

Just so I can be prepared for it when I buy it.

 

My procedure would be, in order:

1. Back up all important data, gather all device drivers, boot to the Windows disk, partition and format the hard drive(s), and perform a fresh install. Everything should be pretty much self-explanatory - if you do run into any problems and need help with the Windows setup, just ask us.

2. Install any critical device drivers, a good stand-alone antivirus software, any ethernet or modem software, and update Windows with anything critical (and remember the .NET issues, so don't go there yet).

3. Load only the programs that are deemed necessary for normal operation.

4. Install a good imaging program and create a pristine backup of the drive.

Once all of this is done, then let the games begin. :major

 

Is there a limit to how many times you can use an OS installation disc?

 

Legally? No, as long as you use it on a single machine (or a finite # of machines if it's a site license).

Realistically? Yes: all media wears out, eventually. You should be good to go for many sessions using a single disk, however, as long as its well taken care of.

 

Oh, okay.