Payroll system "hangs" when opened via shortcut

​The Payroll system opens up, however no companies are loaded on the Company Listing Screen. The system seems to "hang" and could bring up the "extend 32-bit runtime has stopped working" message. 

EXAMPLE: 

• Ensure the payroll system folder is excluded from active anti-virus scanning on the server and/or workstations
• Do a rebuild on all data in the folder
• Confirm that Sage Connected Services and Sage VIP Runtime is installed correctly.

NOTE: This can be reinstalled by uninstalling both from the Control Panel Programs and Features, and then run the applications in the system folder (SCSInstall.msi and SageVIPRuntime.msi).

• If the issue persist, it indicates one of the company VPCNT files might be damaged. Do a rebuild only on the CNT files in the folder (vutil -r -k 0 VPCNT*.pay).
• If the issue persist, you might need to determine which company files are damaged by following these steps:
  • Copy the payroll system folder to another location
  • Replace the VPFILE. PAY and VIX files with blank files

NOTE: You may request these files from payroll support desk

• • Check the payroll folder for all VPCNT files. Confirm if all the companies in the folder is the same as the ones that was on the Company Listing Screen
  • Import the companies one-by-one - the affected company will cause the system to "hang". You might need to repeat the steps above to check other companies
  • Once the companies have been identified, focus your rebuild on the files. Check if all the company files are in the folder
• If all else fails, you will be required to restore a backup of the company. This process should be continued with caution if you are Total Solutions (ESS/Premier HR) or Sage Self Service client.
• You can test this by installing a new system of the same version in another folder, to see if you experience the same issues.
• If the new system reflect the same issue, reinstall the versions of .NET (3.5 and 4)