[2022] Paradox Launcher not a valid Win32 application

Please delete the contents ONLY of that C:\Windows\Installer\ folder, but NOT the folder itself. They are only temp files.
To see that folder you'll need to enable View Hidden Items in File Explorer.

Or if that folder is missing, try making it manually.

Good luck!  

I don't know what that would be. The folder is definitely there, and you can,delete its contents okay?

You might try this Windows repair tool

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files - Microsoft Support

Describes how to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files in Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 or Windows Vista. support.microsoft.com  

Parvis said: Same issues as the people above me.

New Windows 11 PC, get same error.

Followed the repair tool.

No issues found, restarted anyway, same issue still.

Anything else you can think of?

Was that folder there and you emptied it, but that didn't help? Or it was not there, and making it manually didn't help?

See if this tool helps:

Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool is available - Microsoft Support

Describes the .NET Framework Repair Tool and how to obtain it. support.microsoft.com  

I don't understand why you get that error then, it makes no sense.

What if you make a new Windows user and log into Windows as that? Will it install then?  

Then I'm out of ideas as to what is wrong in the Windows installation infrastructure to cause this, I am sorry! Try this updated launcher instead:

https://launcher.paradoxinteractive.com/v2/paradox-launcher-installer-windows  

I think we'll need developer help with this, hopefully they are back on deck next week. Could you please do the following? It will generate a debug log that the launcher team can use to "deep dive" into what actually happens with the launcher.

• Right click the game in question in Steam > Properties > Launch Options
• Paste in this: --pdxlDebug
• Run the game
• Once it fails to launch, locate the logs:

%LocalAppData%\Paradox Interactive\launcher-v2\logs\
(example: C:\Users\{user}\AppData\Local\Paradox Interactive\launcher-v2\logs\)

Please attach all logs in that folder


@Deuterium Oxide we're getting this c:\windows\installer\ error more and more now; it may be only on Windows 11 (but I don't think on ALL Win 11 installations).  

depth453 said: Same problem here, just build my new PC with Win11, and keep getting the same error "MSIEA5D.tmp is not a valid Win32 application."
Manually running the launcher install msi files, same errors.
Is there any fix/work around for this issue?

Did you try posts #8 and #11 above?

If so can we get the logs from post #13 please.