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Fotomi
Participating Frequently
June 9, 2019
Question

Pesky "Win32 API Error2"

  • June 9, 2019
  • 4 replies
  • 846 views

Please help- I've been unable to use Lightroom for more than two months!

After upgrading from Win7 to Win10 I started getting the error:

"Win32 API Error 2 (*The system cannot find the file specified.*)  when calling ShellExecuteExW from AgWorkspace.shellExecute."

  • Note, please do not suggest to correct the problem by setting in the Export field to "do nothing"- this was tried many times and doesn't fix the problem.

  • I worked with numerous agents from Adobe and Microsoft over dozen of hours.
  • Adobe says it is Microsoft problem, Microsoft says it is Adobe problem.
  • One Adobe agent admitted there might be a problem with Adobe, but didn't know how to fix it.
  • I Reloaded Lightroom couple of times
  • I Reloaded Windows10 and Corrected the C++ settings

Is there anyone crafty enough to help me fix this problem?

Problem: Lightroom loads and as it completes the load, the message above pops up. The library of pictures is loaded but I can't see the images.

I have Lightroom 6 desktop and LR 8 Classic desktop (latest version).  The problem is the same for both.

Thank you!

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    4 replies

    B
    brians93161013
    Participant
    June 14, 2019

    I have just received this same error. Very frustrated.

    johnrellis
    johnrellis
    Legend
    June 14, 2019

    I have just received this same error. Very frustrated.

    Initial troubleshooting steps:

    1. Please copy/paste the first ten lines from the menu command Help > System Info so we know precisely which software you're running.

    2. Describe the circumstances in which the error message appears -- when you first start LR, when you do an export, when you run a particular plugin?

    GoldingD
    GoldingD
    Legend
    June 10, 2019

    API/Smugmug

    Sounds like your Smugmug plug-in is old, and perhaps old enough to be from Jeffrey Friedl’s blog. That site having lots of notes about an API issue, near a year ago:

    Jeffrey Friedl's Blog » Known Issues with my Plugins.

    Oh, and another old source that had a similar issue that got fixed via update https://alloyphoto.com/plugins/smugmug/

    You will probably need to remove all traces of the older plug-in, then download a newer one.

    Upload from Lightroom

    or from the Adobe Exchange SmugMug Publish Plug-in (is that one a bit old?)

    Just checked my Smugmug Plug-in, it is currently v 3.1.6.0 and from:Photography Apps to Display, Show, and Sell Your Work 

    GoldingD
    GoldingD
    Legend
    June 10, 2019

    What do you see in develop module?

    johnrellis
    johnrellis
    Legend
    June 9, 2019

    A couple more troubleshooting steps with LR Classic:

    1. Reset LR's preferences: https://www.lightroomqueen.com/articles-page/how-do-i-reset-lightrooms-preferences/ . Reinstalling or upgrading doesn't delete the existing preferences.

    2. Disable all plugins by going to File > Plug-in Manager, selecting each plugin in turn, scrolling to the Status panel, and clicking Disable.

    F
    FotomiAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    June 9, 2019

    Thank you for your suggestion, Johnrellis, but your suggestion did not resolve the problem. 

    There was a change in behavior- the error message did not pop-up up during the startup of LR, but the problem was still there (i.e., I can't see the images of the pictures, even though they are there). 

    Also, the error message pops-up when I enable the SmugMug plugin or try to get the latest version of the plugin.

    Best,

    Tomi

    johnrellis
    johnrellis
    Legend
    June 9, 2019

    It sounds like there are too separate issues. The "Win32 API Error 2" and inability to see images in Library. 

    1. The "Win32 API Error 2"  appears to be triggered by enabling the Smugmug plugin, so you should contact Smugmug about that (they're responsible for the plugin).

    2. Re images in the Library, please post a full-resolution screenshot of your entire LR window, giving us a better idea of what might be going on.

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