How do I fix a broken mspaint?

Question

My mspaint that comes with windows 7 (64-bit) worked at some point, but a while back it suddenly starting posting an error when I try to use it.

The version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running. Check your computer's system information to see whether you need an x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher.

If I try to run it as administrator by right clicking the mspaint.exe in the system32 folder, I get the following error:

Windows cannot find 'C:\Windows\System32\mspaint.exe'. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.

I don't know what made this start, and at start it wasn't a big problem but it has gotten kind of irritating over time.

I looked for a way to re-install it but a fast search on the internet shows it is a standard part of windows and it can not be uninstalled. How can i fix this with out having to re-install windows?

Solution 1

Try typing sfc /scannow into an elevated command prompt and wait for it check the system files.

I am not sure if it checks built-in applications as well, but it's worth a try.

Solution 2

You could try to replace it. I have uploaded a working copy of mine (64bit) to dropbox. This link should allow you to download it. Then place it in your system32 folder. This will prompt you to replace your current copy.

After replacing, try to run it again.

Comments

[Simon Verbeke]

Have you tried running it with administrator permissions or in compatibility mode?

[bwDraco]

@SimonVerbeke: You can't run an application that is part of Windows (including Paint) in compatibility mode.

[fire-bee]

I got a "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them." and when I look in the log i find a couple of entries with mspaint one of them being 2012-05-13 17:15:48, Info CSI 0000039c [SR] Could not reproject corrupted file [ml:520{260},l:46{23}]"\??\C:\Windows\System32"[l:22{11}‌​]"mspaint.exe"; source file in store is also corrupted

[fire-bee]

It is protected by TrustedInstaller, my other users (SYSTEM, Administrators and Users) only have Read & Execute permission. Trying to run your uploaded file just gives me an error saying "Unable to create a new document".

[Simon Verbeke]

Didn't know this would be the case. If you really want to try this method, you could of course change permissions for the system32 folder. (this might include taking ownership of the folder)

[Indrek]

@Blem Try booting into Safe Mode, that should allow you to replace the file.

[Naidim]

@Blem: I would check your disk health with a SMART monitoring tool as soon as possible. It sounds like your drive may be about to fail.

[fire-bee]

An Extended Test showed nothing wrong with the drive that windows is on.