Error message: "Not a valid 32-bit application"

Are you getting the error: “Not a valid 32-bit application”?  We have researched this on the Microsoft support forums and this appears to be a pretty widespread issue that people have complained about for years (particularly with Window7). 

While these answers from Microsoft do not appear to solve the issue in all cases, we have compiled the best of what we could find and what they suggest that you try to resolve their issue.

Listed below are what Microsoft says COULD be the issue when you get this error message.

File  is corrupt, bad, or missing. 

  1. A file could become corrupt in the download process. Microsoft suggests downloading the file in a different location and  see  if that helps. 
  2. If the hard disk drive is corrupted or bad it can cause working programs to fail either because not all the data can be read from the hard disk drive or because the program has become corrupted while on the drive. Run  scandisk  and defrag on the hard disk drive to check for any potential errors.
  3. Microsoft also recommends that you do  a SFC  (System File Checker) to see if you have any corrupt system files. 

First, run System File  checker  to see if you have any corrupted system files.

a)    Click Start

b)    Type: CMD, from the results,  right click  CMD

c)    Click 'Run as Administrator'

d)    At the Command Prompt, type:  sfc / scannow

This will check for any integrity violations and fix any corrupted operating system files.

e)    Restart your system

Now run  chkdsk :

a)    Disable any security software before attempting to upgrade or do a clean install.

b)    Make sure your computer is updated (devices and applications)

c)    Disconnect any external devices before installing.

d)    Check your hard disk for any errors:

e)    Click Start

f)     Type: CMD, from the results,  right click  CMD

g)    Click 'Run as Administrator'

h)   At the Command Prompt, type:  chkdsk  /r /f

When you restart your system, your computer will be scanned for errors and attempts will be made to correct them.


File  is not designed for your version of Windows.

1. If you're trying to run a program that is not designed for your version of Windows you may get this error. 

PLEASE  NOTE:   The Outlook Plugin you are trying to install currently supports the following versions of Outlook and Windows operating systems.

Supported Outlook versions

2007, 2010 (32 bit), 2010 (64 bit), 2013 (32 bit), 2013 (32 bit), Office 365 Installed/Desktop version of Outlook

Supported operating systems

Microsoft Windows XP (32 bit), Vista (32 bit), Windows 7 (32 bit), Windows 7 (64 bit), Windows 8 (32 bit), Windows 8 (64 bit)

This Plug-in does not support Mac.

Limitations

- Office 365 Web version of Outlook is not supported as Microsoft do not offer the option for  any  outside vendor to sync with their web edition of Outlook for Office 365

- It has been reported that the Implicit Outlook sync may not recognize Daylight Saving in Australia. If entering a meeting from 4:15 pm to 4.30 pm in Big Contacts, Outlook may read it as 5:15 pm to 5.30 pm.

2. If the program is designed for a 64-bit version of Windows and you're running it in a 32-bit version of Windows, it will not work and generate this error.

File  is a virus, worm, or  other malware file . 

1. It is still possible that the virus protection program and/or another program installed on the computer is causing issues during the install or execution of the program. Boot the computer into Safe Mode and try running the program; booting the computer into Safe Mode will make sure nothing is running in the background that could be causing this issue.