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nowei87
Join Date 11/2024
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start11 v2 - Unable to open archive file

November 12, 2024 3:32:02 AM from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

Hi I just purchased start11 v2 and am unable to install it on my new PC.

The PC specs are:
CPU: AMD 9800x3d
GPU: GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4090 Gaming OC
RAM: 64gb ddr5 6000mt/s cl30

As noted in the title, when I download the start11 v2 installer and attempt to run it (as administrator) I am met with the error, "Unable to open archive file".

After reviewing the support forums I've attempted the following:

- Downloaded the installer with a different browser (Microsoft Edge & Mozilla Firefox).
- Downloaded the installer from the Accounts/Downloads page (Start11v2_Setup_sd).
- Downloaded the installer from the Stardock receipt that was emailed to me (Start11v2-fs-setup_sd).
- In Windows Security, turned on "Controlled folder access", and added the installer as an exception.
- In Windows Security, disabled "Controlled folder access".
- Attempted to install in a fresh local account.
- Attempted to install in a fresh VM (Win11 "sandbox").

None of the above have worked.
I've reviewed the forums for additional options and have found nothing.
I've also checked the Discord server for potential fixes and found nothing.

I'm completely at a loss here.
Please assist.

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nowei87
DrJBHL
Join Date 04/2002
+3822 moderator
Reply #1 November 12, 2024 4:06:00 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

Do you have a third party antivirus/security suite? Is it ESET?

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basj
Join Date 03/2001
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Reply #2 November 12, 2024 4:14:02 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Just to confirm all steps you mentioned here:


- Downloaded the installer with a different browser (Microsoft Edge & Mozilla Firefox).
- Downloaded the installer from the Accounts/Downloads page (Start11v2_Setup_sd).
- Downloaded the installer from the Stardock receipt that was emailed to me (Start11v2-fs-setup_sd).
- In Windows Security, turned on "Controlled folder access", and added the installer as an exception.
- In Windows Security, disabled "Controlled folder access".
- Attempted to install in a fresh local account.
- Attempted to install in a fresh VM (Win11 "sandbox").

You get the same error?

"Unable to open archive file".

Thank you.
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

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nowei87
basj
Join Date 03/2001
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Reply #3 November 12, 2024 4:17:19 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

Also, before you downloaded the installer file again did you deleted the old one first?

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

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nowei87
nowei87
Join Date 11/2024
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Reply #4 November 12, 2024 4:40:00 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

Quoting DrJBHL,
reply 1

Do you have a third party antivirus/security suite? Is it ESET?

No, the only antivirus/security in place is Windows Security.

Quoting basj,
reply 2

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Just to confirm all steps you mentioned here:



- Downloaded the installer with a different browser (Microsoft Edge & Mozilla Firefox).
- Downloaded the installer from the Accounts/Downloads page (Start11v2_Setup_sd).
- Downloaded the installer from the Stardock receipt that was emailed to me (Start11v2-fs-setup_sd).
- In Windows Security, turned on "Controlled folder access", and added the installer as an exception.
- In Windows Security, disabled "Controlled folder access".
- Attempted to install in a fresh local account.
- Attempted to install in a fresh VM (Win11 "sandbox").



You get the same error?

"Unable to open archive file".



Thank you.
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.


Correct, the same error occurs with all the attempts.

Quoting basj,
reply 3

Also, before you downloaded the installer file again did you deleted the old one first?

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

I've tried both having deleted the old installer and I've tried with both installers saved.

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nowei87
basj
Join Date 03/2001
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Reply #5 November 12, 2024 4:59:47 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

May I know your main system Windows 10 or 11 full version and OS Build number. Also, Windows Home or Pro? Please use Winver.exe

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

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nowei87
nowei87
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Reply #6 November 12, 2024 5:14:03 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

Quoting basj,
reply 5

May I know your main system Windows 10 or 11 full version and OS Build number. Also, Windows Home or Pro? Please use Winver.exe

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Most certainly.
This is a Windows 11 Home PC.
Version 24H2 (OS Build 26100.2033)

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basj
Join Date 03/2001
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Reply #7 November 12, 2024 5:26:04 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

Could you try rolling back your Windows 11 to previous version of Windows 11 or forward to OS Build 26100.2161. I worried something was not installed properly when you update your Windows 11.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

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nowei87
nowei87
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Reply #8 November 12, 2024 6:19:16 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

This is a completely fresh install.
I can't roll back to a previous version.
I'm also unwilling to push my PC onto a beta version of Win11 that isn't stable as that will result in worse performance in other areas.

Surely if you're selling this product you have other ways to troubleshoot it...

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basj
Join Date 03/2001
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Reply #9 November 12, 2024 6:33:58 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

Hello,
I have forwarded your problem/question to Stardock Support Team for their assistance. Please keep an eye on this thread for any updates. We appreciate your feedback and patience.

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

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Neil Banfield
Join Date 04/2001
+1033 sdemployee
Reply #10 November 12, 2024 7:46:40 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

Find the installer exe and right click on it and select properties.  What does the digital signatures tab show as the most likely explanation here is the exe is corrupted.

You should double click on the embedded signature to see if it is considered valid or not.

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nowei87
nowei87
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Reply #11 November 12, 2024 10:24:55 PM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

Quoting Neil Banfield,
reply 10

Find the installer exe and right click on it and select properties.  What does the digital signatures tab show as the most likely explanation here is the exe is corrupted.

You should double click on the embedded signature to see if it is considered valid or not.

looks like it should be fine.

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sdrohan
Join Date 10/2012
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Reply #12 November 13, 2024 9:28:27 AM
from Stardock ForumsStardock Forums

Quoting nowei87,
reply 8

Surely if you're selling this product you have other ways to troubleshoot it...

No one else has this issue, nowei87

Quoting nowei87,
reply 6

This is a Windows 11 Home PC.

- Attempted to install in a fresh VM (Win11 "sandbox").

To my knowledge, Windows 'Home' does not allow the use of Windows Sandbox.  Is it another PC that you tried the Sandbox option?

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

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