start11 v2 - Unable to open archive file

from Stardock 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.

start menu products
2,475 views 12 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

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

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

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").
End of quote

You get the same error?

"Unable to open archive file".
End of quote

Thank you.
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

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

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 1

Do you have a third party antivirus/security suite? Is it ESET?
End of DrJBHL's quote

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.

End of basj's quote

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
End of basj's quote

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

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

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

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

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
End of basj's quote

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

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

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

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

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...

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

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

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

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.

Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Neil, 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.
End of Neil's quote

looks like it should be fine.

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting nowei87, reply 8

Surely if you're selling this product you have other ways to troubleshoot it...
End of nowei87's quote

No one else has this issue, nowei87

Quoting nowei87, reply 6

This is a Windows 11 Home PC.
End of nowei87's quote

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

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