Got this error when i tried to update my old install of Automaton and got to the B160 → B162 patch
see attached screenshot 
Deleting that file or better moving it to another location might solve the problem.
Greets
Martin
i uninstalled the game and removed the Automation folder in c:\Program files (x86)\ and downloaded the game launcher again and got it working that way 
Excellent! Sadly the installer corrupts stuff sometimes, but you fixed it the right way there
hopefully someone can have use of this thread later