Side-by-side error - but only once!

[ic2]

My programs rely on a correct side-by-side configuration as they are using an X# DLL. If something is wrong, I know, the program doesn't start until you fix it. Once it works, it keeps working.

But for one client, a program version which has been around for months, quite recently started to always give this error when they start it the first time:

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.

Then they start it a second time....and it runs without problems.

How is that possible?

Dick

[robert]

Dick,

> Please see the application event log
What does the windows event log say?

Robert

[wriedmann]

Hi Dick,
that could caused by an antivirus that is to slow unblocking the COM DLL.
Is the COM DLL signed?
Wolfgang

[ic2]

Hello Robert, Wolfgang,

Thanks for your replies. What do you mean with 'signed'? I've collected 6 pages of instructions and troubleshooting info; basically mt.exe is doing the job from VS and that works. Hence your explanation that the antivirus causes it makes sense, it's a large company and they are known for using overkill in security which causes trouble.

I've not yet seen the windows event log (in earlier 'real issues' with side-by-side it never revealed useful information) but the user isn't really bothered by the issue; she got used to starting the program twice.

I'll there her that it's possibly the antivirus and if I find some cause I'll post it here.

Dick

[wriedmann]

Hi Dick,
DLLs and executables that are digitally signed (with a codesign certificate) are less often controlled by an antivirus, and I have heard from some collegues that their customers are more and more asking to receive only signed software. Of course, such a certificate has a non irrelevant cost - Digicert asks about 500 Euro/year for it.
Wolfgang

[ic2]

Hello Wolfgang,

Ah, of course; I thought you meant some program based signing which sounded unfamiliar. So far none of my customers asked for digital signed dll's etc.

It's indeed far to expensive; it should be an extra option with other verifying procedures. E.g. I have what is called in Holland E-Herkenning (E-Recognition), which is required for a government grant we use for part of our software. It doesn't make sense to me at all that for just posting the application of such a grant (which then entitles me to pay less payroll tax) this kind of 'security' is required, but they visited me to make sure that they were assigning E-Recognition to my 'physical company'. With a bit of effort a digital signature could be a by-product (in terms of real security) against a much smaller fee than what you mention.

Dick

[wriedmann]

Hi Dick,
I have looked now: there seems to much lower prices around: something like about 105 Euro/year if you are buying it for 3 years.
Wolfgang