Application failed to initialize properly (0xc00000005)

[kazaakas]

So lately one of my favorite games won't start up anymore...
When launched through steam, nothing happens (I suppose Steam supresses errors...), but when I launch the .exe, it shows:

Application failed to initialize properly (0xc00000005)

All of the other topics I have found are about people with other error codes and I cannot for the life of me fix this problem.

I have even found a "generic cause" for this error, which was supposedly caused by a Creative sound driver (which I have). Took me ages to sweep that driver from my system completely and FTL still shows the same error...

Help?!

[stylesrj]

Hate to sound like that guy you hear on the phone when contacting tech support but...
Have you tried verifying the game cache? See if there's a problem with one of the files? Did you put any mods in recently?
If that don't work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the game.

[kazaakas]

I've reinstalled the game, deleted my save, reinstalled VC++ redist... nothing.

I even tried turning it off and on again!

[stylesrj]

Is the FTL plugged in?
I guess another thing to ask is what operating system you're using.

Because I have no idea why the game isn't working for you.

[kazaakas]

I'm on windows 7 Ultimate x64.

Another point of attention would be that the game used to be working fine.
It's just that lately that this error has been showing up.

[kazaakas]

Just downloaded a non-legit version of the game through a torrent (I have purchased the game on Steam so you'll have to forgive me for this) and it works perfectly.
This download was version 1.5.13 with AE content. I think that's the latest build if I'm not mistaken. Definitely a Steam-related issue, which lead me to:

Deleting the Steam appcache,
disabling steam cloud,
reinstalling a couple of times,
disabling the steam in-game overlay,
reinstalling a couple of drivers...

And still there is this 0xc00000005 error at startup.

I'm happy I can play this game again because I'm having some spare time on my hands the coming few days, but I'd really like to play the game legitimately, because I love its intrepid design and I really respect the developers..: Delivering free expansions to an already very inexpensive great game <3...

Which is why I'd still like some support on this issue. I want to play my legitimate version...