(ILSpy) System.BadImageFormatException: Format of the executable (.exe) or library (.dll) is invalid

Question

How to overcome the error message while trying to open the exe in ILSpy:

System.BadImageFormatException: Format of the executable (.exe) or library (.dll) is invalid.
   at Mono.Cecil.PE.ImageReader.ReadOptionalHeaders(UInt16& subsystem, UInt16& dll_characteristics)
   at Mono.Cecil.PE.ImageReader.ReadImage()
   at Mono.Cecil.PE.ImageReader.ReadImage(Disposable`1 stream, String file_name)
   at Mono.Cecil.ModuleDefinition.ReadModule(String fileName, ReaderParameters parameters)
   at ICSharpCode.ILSpy.LoadedAssembly.LoadAssembly(Object state)
   at System.Threading.Tasks.Task`1.InnerInvoke()
   at System.Threading.Tasks.Task.Execute()

Is the executable packed or what to do?

What about you posting the exe so we can know what's wrong in your particular case? — user202729, Dec 01 '18 at 13:30
By the way: it suffices to tag the question with appropriate tags. It's not necessary to put (ILSpy) in the title. — user202729, Dec 01 '18 at 13:31

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Dec 07 '18 at 22:15

1

If the program runs, it should be possible to dump the module from memory, after it was reconstructed to original state while loading it to memory.

answered Dec 07 '18 at 22:15

MazeGen

143
8

(ILSpy) System.BadImageFormatException: Format of the executable (.exe) or library (.dll) is invalid

1 Answers1