launcher.exe - Bad Image SWTOR Launcher error
I tried to starting my SWTOR launcher and came across this error. launcher.exe - Bad Image "C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\BioWare\Star Wars - The Old Republic\libcef.dll is either not desi...
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Try running a repair and let me know how it goes.
Non-Streaming launcher - Log into the launcher but don't click Play. Check for small letters "ST" in the bottom left corner. If this is NOT present, click the cog icon and then run the repair option.
Streaming launcher - If the letters "ST" is present, close the launcher, right mouse click on the game shortcut, select open file location and delete the BitRaider folder. Then start the launcher.
Non-Streaming launcher - Log into the launcher but don't click Play. Check for small letters "ST" in the bottom left corner. If this is NOT present, click the cog icon and then run the repair option.
Streaming launcher - If the letters "ST" is present, close the launcher, right mouse click on the game shortcut, select open file location and delete the BitRaider folder. Then start the launcher.
You misunderstand, I can't actually start the launcher itself. Anything involving a task within the launcher won't work. The error always displays every time I try to open the game
This error still exists, 10 years later. It is now March, 2025.
Exact same message as OP.
Error code 0xc0000428.
64bit Windows 11 Pro.
Ran program/app with Administrator permissions "SWTOR_setup.exe" from official web site (https://www.swtor.com/).
"SSNHostWindow: launcher.exe - Bad Image"
Text from the window/pop-up:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\BioWare\Star Wars - The Old Republic\libcef.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support.Error status 0xc0000428."
10 years?!
The software is the original installation media (SWTOR_setup.exe -- see above); I am the system administrator and the actual software vendor does not seem to be responding (Electronic Arts\BioWare).
There are no system integrity violations.
The original software media is not to be used anymore it is redundant as 32bit launcher is no longer used and not used anymore
You need to use https://swtor-a.akamaihd.net/installer/SWTOR_setup.exe
Most common cause of a libcef error is a different version existing in the windows folders somewhere
Maybe check the hard drive file system for errors tooI did download and run the app/program.
The first time I ran the download (as administrator) I told the installer to remove the game.
I assumed that when I chose to remove the installation that the SWTOR_setup.exe would completely remove the game files.I then ran SWTOR_setup.exe again, the one recommended and linked in a previous reply.
I saw this note from the Installer:
"Star Wars(tm)": The Old Republic(tm)
Completing the Star Wars: The Old Republic Setup Wizard
Star Wars: The Old Republic has been installed on your computer.
Click Finish to close this Wizard.
I checked the box to "Play Star Wars: The Old Republic" and hit the "Finish" button.
The program/app did not launch, nor even ask permission to run.
I used the shortcut on the desktop without Administrative authorization. The launcher failed.
I used the shortcut again, this time using Administrative authorization. The launcher failed.
I have given swtor.exe authorization to get through the firewall. I have also given the launcher.exe authorization to get through the firewall.
As I have noted earlier, the error is the same as previously noted in this thread.
Summary: SSNHostWindow: launcher.exe - Bad Image:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\BioWare\Star Wars - The Old Republic\libcef.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again..." "Error Status 0xc0000428."
Uh, Yeah, been there, done that at least three times now.
I checked the integrity of my files as per Microsoft Instructions.
Microsoft gives my system a clean slate, ie. there are, as per Microsoft, no integrity issues with the hard drive or with the system files.Personal opinion:
I was playing SWTOR when it first came out.
I don't believe I was able to beta test it...but it was about the right time...over 10 years ago now.
I had hoped to resolve some issues with the EULA and get the game running on my Windows 11 Pro (always 64bit).
Apparently that is simply not a thing due to malfunctions of the launcher and as per my multiple attempts to play the game on my Windows 11 Pro PC 😥
...Unless...someone has a resolution to this issue...?
