How to Fix “Side-By-Side Configuration Is Incorrect” Errors

Did you recently stumble upon an error notification that reads “Side-by-side configuration is incorrect” when attempting to load an app? If so, then you’ve come to the correct place. Pinpointing the exact cause of this problem can be problematic at times, however, there are a wide range of solutions you can and should adopt when fixing it.

This error is fairly common, occurring when attempting to load a wide range of apps, for a multitude of reasons. The full error message may read something like the following:

The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect. Please see the application event log or use the command-line sxstrace.exe tool for more detail.

This error occurs in a number of different apps and programs. With the most common cause having to do with a conflict between the application and its C++ run-time library. The end result is the application not loading the correct C++ files to run itself. Additionally, the corruption of integral system files may also result in side-by-side configuration errors.

That said, it is possible to fix this error – which is the good news. However, before we get to the solutions, let’s take a deeper look into its common causes.

What Causes Side-By-Side Configuration Is Incorrect Errors?

As previously mentioned, the most common cause for this error is a conflict between the app and its C++ run-time library. However, that is not the only reason. In this tutorial, my objective is to bring your attention to the most effective ways of tackling this error – which can only be done, when you have a better understanding of what’s causing it.

With that said, other possible causes are as follows:

• The app wasn’t installed correctly.
• The application installer is corrupted.
• Key system files have been erased and/or damaged.
• The C++ redistributable package on your system is either corrupted or outdated.
• App version is incompatible with the OS.

Now that we have the general causes of side-by-side configuration is incorrect errors, out of the way, we can now tread on to its many solutions.

So, continue reading for that.

How to Fix It

When it comes to fixing side-by-side configuration is incorrect errors, there are a number of approaches you can take. In this tutorial, I’ve done my utmost to highlight the very best and most effective methods.

So, the first thing you’ll want to do is re-download the app installer. This is because the initial download (of the app installer) may have been corrupted. This is usually due to the download not completing correctly or not completing at all. Either way, consider re-downloading it, then verify whether or not it has fixed the problem.

There are a series of things you should be cognizant of when downloading anything. First, consider the source. Never download anything from untrusted sources. Make sure you have a virus scanner enabled and primed. This way, if the download is dubious the scanner will automatically detect and block the download.

So, with all of that out of the way, ideally you’ll want to visit the developer’s website and download the app directly from there.

If this fails to resolve the error, only then do I recommend you attempt the more sophisticated solutions below.

Run Windows Repair Tool to Fix Side-By-Side Configuration Is Incorrect Errors

Is your system somehow more sluggish than it once was? Is it showing signs of age? Errors (such as side-by-side configuration is incorrect) are oftentimes the result of poor maintenance. Which is why it’s so important you have a maintenance and repair suite installed and regularly running on your system.

This brings us to the tool Advanced System Repair Pro, which is a multifaceted tool, capable of scanning, detecting and fixing a wide range of problems on your system, from virus infections, to computer errors to file corruption, and much more.

If any of this interests you, then I suggest you visit the link below, for more information:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ADVANCED SYSTEM REPAIR PRO

The solution(s) below are for ADVANCED level computer users. If you are a beginner to intermediate computer user, I highly recommend you use the automated tool(s) above!

Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable

If the above solutions fail to fix the “side-by-side configuration is incorrect” error, then it may be because the Visual C++ package files are missing or corrupted. Either way, you can rectify this problem simply be reinstalling them.

The instructions are as follows:

1. First, boot into your system as a full administrator.

2. Then visit this Microsoft Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=48145

3. This will bring up the Download Visual C++ Redistributable page, from here, Select language then click on Download.

4. A smaller Choose the download you want applet should appear. Now tick the box for the version you want, then click on Download.

Note: If you’re on a 32-bit OS, then tick the box for vc_redist.x86.exe, for 64-bit (which is most people), tick the box for vc_redist.x64.exe.

5. Save the App Installer to your Desktop, then double-click on it, to run it.

6. Follow the onscreen instructions to reinstall the Visual C++ Redistributable files.

Run Troubleshooter

If the side-by-side configuration is incorrect error notification only appears when attempting to run a specific app. Then you may want to try running the compatibility troubleshooter. This tool will run a check on the app for any compatibility problems then seek to solve them.

You can find step-by=step instructions on how to do this, from my post titled: You Don’t Have Permission to Save in This Location.

Check Registry

The registry is an integral component of the operating system. A corrupted or poorly managed registry can lead to a ton of redundant entries that could adversely affect your Windows experience.

In this instances we’re looking at whether or not the side-by-side configuration has been properly setup and if not, making the necessary changes.

WARNING: The registry is a very sensitive area of the OS, thus, any wrong modification can render your system inoperable.

1. First, boot into your system as a full administrator.

2. Then press + R, type regedit and click on OK.

3. When Registry Editor loads up, navigate to the following path:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SideBySide\Winners\x86_policy.9.0.microsoft.vc90.crt. crt_3fc8b3b5a1e74e3b_none_02d1110342fd8a129\9.0

Note: The x86_policy.9.0.microsoft.vc90.crt… entry will vary depending on the version of Visual C++ Redistributable installed on your system.

4. From here, in the right pane, you want to ensure the (Default) data value is the same as the larger Binary Value (there should be two values). If not, then double-click on (Default).

5. This will bring up an Edit string applet, simply type the Binary Value into the Value data box, then click on OK.

6. Close Registry Editor, then restart your system.

Fix File Corruption

The corruption of integral Windows files can have an adverse effect on installed apps, causing them to crash unexpectedly, i.e. side-by-side configuration is incorrect. As a solution you should definitely consider running the SFC (System File Checker) tool, which is a built-in tool, designed to scan, detect and replace or repair missing system files.

My post on how to run SFC Scannow will show you how to access and use this tool.

Reset Windows to Fix Side-By-Side Configuration Is Incorrect Errors

If the side-by-side configuration is incorrect error continues to persist up to this point, then you may want to consider a full Windows reset. Depending on the choice you make, this can be as painful or painless as you like.

Ideally, you’d want to reset Windows but keep all your sensitive files. For instructions on how to do that. Check out my post on fixing FAULTY HARDWARE CORRUPTED PAGE.

Are you looking for a way to repair all the errors on your computer?

If the answer is Yes, then I highly recommend you check out Advanced System Repair Pro.

Which is the leading registry cleaner program online that is able to cure your system from a number of different ailments such as Windows Installer Errors, Runtime Errors, Malicious Software, Spyware, System Freezing, Active Malware, Blue Screen of Death Errors, Rundll Errors, Slow Erratic Computer Performance, ActiveX Errors and much more. Click here to check it out NOW!