Community Newsletter: Q&A: 7/22/05 What is rundll32.exe, and where did it go?
- 7/21/05 6:13 PM
rundll32.exe
by grega223 - 7/24/05 2:08 PM In reply to: I cannot believe this! by funkid7This is from Microsofts website concerning rundll32.exe. ItIS part of the OS (rundll is 16 bit rundll32 is 32 bit).
Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Millennium Edition (Me) contains two command-line utility programs named Rundll.exe and Rundll32.exe that allow you to invoke a function exported from a DLL, either 16-bit or 32-bit. However, Rundll and Rundll32 programs do not allow you to call any exported function from any DLL. For example, you can not use these utility programs to call the Win32 API (Application Programming Interface) calls exported from the system DLLs. The programs only allow you to call functions from a DLL that are explicitly written to be called by them. This article provides more details on the use of Rundll and Rundll32 programs under the Windows operating systems listed above.
MIcrosoft Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, and Windows XP ship with only Rundll32. There is no support for Rundll (the Win16 utility) on either platform.
The Rundll and Rundll32 utility programs were originally designed only for internal use at Microsoft. But the functionality provided by them is sufficiently generic that they are now available for general use. Note that Windows NT 4.0 ships only with the Rundll32 utility program and supports only Rundll32.
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MORE INFORMATION
Rundll vs. Rundll32
Rundll loads and runs 16-bit DLLs, whereas Rundll32 loads and runs 32-bit DLLs. If you pass the wrong type of DLL to Rundll or Rundll32, it may fail to run without indicating any error messages.
Folder Options have nothing to do with Search
by GrantSR - 7/22/05 1:23 PM In reply to: 7/22/05 What is rundll32.exe, and where did it go? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
In your winning answer you said to change the Folder Options to display hidden files in order to have Search find a hidden file. However, you must open up the advanced options in the search pane and select for the search to include hidden and system files if you want Search to find them.
Very clear but scaring
by albant - 7/22/05 8:54 PM In reply to: 7/22/05 What is rundll32.exe, and where did it go? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Your explanation is really very helpfull, but on the other hand it scares a hell out of me. It looks like there is no way to get rid of all that trash that attacs Windows so frecuently.
I remember having read an article about disabling the external (internet) part of Windows explorer while keeping the system part working, so, Windows can do its job, and use another internet browser as an alternative.
It would be great to clarify this issue even for curiosity.
(NT) http://reviews.cnet.com/5224-10149_7-0.html?forumID=7&t
by jackrosenfield - 7/22/05 9:22 PM In reply to: 7/22/05 What is rundll32.exe, and where did it go? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Your instructions say go to IE Tools,Folder OPtions and then View Tab. My IE, version 6.0.2800 doesn't provide Folder Options as an option. What version of IE are you describing?
UNDO Question
by pinkuvs - 7/22/05 9:28 PM In reply to: 7/22/05 What is rundll32.exe, and where did it go? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You told to find "rundll32". I found it by implementing your first instruction, i.e, by folder option>show hidden files and folders.
Now, after finding it,has? I to do undo for "show hidden files and folders" by checking "don't show hidden files and folders"
Please respond
vibhapinku1@yahoo.com
This is a quick, but down and dirty possible solution
by CaviesFan - 7/22/05 10:41 PM In reply to: 7/22/05 What is rundll32.exe, and where did it go? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
This is a trick I have used successfully on a number of so-called 'missing file' problems as a down and dirty quick fix to a problem.
1) Find someone with the exact version of WIndows (98, 98 SE, NT, 2000, XP or XP Service Pack 2) as the one you have.
2) After enabling the viewing of hidden files, find and copy the rundll32.exe file onto a floppy disk.
3) Note the directory/folder in which you found it,
4) Take the disk back to your own computer and copy it into the identical directory/folder on YOUR computer.
If it works, your problem is solved. If it doesn't, then you have a different problem altogether.
Something (a virus, spyware or other type of malware) is either deleting the file from your PC or altering it or, as indicated in a previous submission, your Registry may have been altered or damaged.
An altered/damaged Registry is an entirely different problem - one that requires the attention of a competent Technician. I would not recommend trying to repair an altered/damaged Registry yourself.
Good Luck,
Rick Olson
What an excellent reply...
by bluis54 - 7/23/05 7:06 PM In reply to: 7/22/05 What is rundll32.exe, and where did it go? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I don't have the problem but the reply was so informative that I read the whole response.
I agree in everything but one.
by Mendieta - 7/24/05 1:38 AM In reply to: 7/22/05 What is rundll32.exe, and where did it go? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
All you said is correct, but nothing in a home environment can erase a computer file, more, nothing in a home environment can erase just one particular file everytime, You said the computer may have a virus installed, i think so, the technitian restores RUNDLL32.exe file, it works well until the computer gets home because the virus deletes it at the next boot, so Allen gets the error message again.
Allen didn't say he can't open Mail attachments, he said: "It keeps telling me it's needed to open certain e-mail attachments friends send me, This doesn't make any sense to me.", Allen is right, this does not make any sense to anyone.
Allen, ask the technitian to run several antivirus programs on that machine.
Hope this helps.
One more thing, maybe....
by Mendieta - 7/24/05 1:57 AM In reply to: 7/22/05 What is rundll32.exe, and where did it go? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Funner.A is a worm that propagates using MSN Messenger, it modifies the HOSTS file so the user can't access certain web pages (antivirus Web Pages). In computers with Windows Me/98/95, it changes the SYSTEM.INI file so it executes everytime the computer boots & overwrites the RUNDLL32.EXE file, changing it with a copy of himself.
Maybe this is your installed virus Allan.
Notice received from Panda Software (antivirus maker).
Hope this helps too Allan.
Problem with rundll file
by adegorf - 7/24/05 11:53 AM In reply to: One more thing, maybe.... by MendietaMendieta:
Thanks for taking the time to help with my problem. I'm going to try what you're suggesting, but I gotta tell ya: nothing seems to work. I think you're right when you suggest some kind of virus.
Thanks again.
Allen O.
Try downloading this....
by jadthebad - 7/25/05 5:17 AM In reply to: 7/22/05 What is rundll32.exe, and where did it go? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi,
If the problem is adware a virus or anything like that
well download this anyway.
open the link http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/1043_zl/zaSuiteSetup_60_631_002.exe once it asks to run or download save it to disk. then open it and install it.
sadly it is a 15 day trial. 
If you want it for a LONG time just email me and ill get it for you.
my email is jadthebad@gmail.com.
thanks
jad
THAT LINK DIDN' APPEAR!
by jadthebad - 7/25/05 5:24 AM In reply to: Try downloading this.... by jadthebadSORRY for some reason the link was turned into stars!
type this into your browser no spaces in it.
http:// download. zonelabs .com /bin /free / 1043_zl /zaSuiteSetup_60_631_002.exe
ive put inspaces so will apear.
if it still doesn't appear email me at jadthebad@gmail.com and i will send you the link by email.
rundll32 problem
by green_robert - 7/26/05 6:20 AM In reply to: 7/22/05 What is rundll32.exe, and where did it go? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Allen,
While this forum contains a wealth of knowledge and help that is beyond description, I would like to suggest that you may want to contact Microsoft technical support at msconus@microsoft.com. I recently encountered an Internet Explorer problem at home that required their help to resolve. The staff are extremely patient and will work with you every step of the way using layman's terms until your problem is resolved. If the customer service desk is unable to immediately resolve your problem, a technical support technician will be assigned to help you. The help is free and their people are first rate.
Good luck.
Bob Green
Salem, CT
rgreen619@snet.net
rundll32.exe fixes and problems
by pazsion - 7/26/05 3:08 PM In reply to: 7/22/05 What is rundll32.exe, and where did it go? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I've had several computers that contracted a yet unknown and undetected virus, worm, or program. that removes the orignal rundll32.exe. in the windows directory.
many features of windows did not open or load and control panel did not load. browsers didn't load and several things.
formatting the drive and re-installing the OS usually fixed the problem. I used a diffrent firewall and anti-v prog then the usual. and haven't had a problem since.
Rundll32.exe is a needed program by windows. If you notice multiple processes launching by this name, and closing them causes no changes in system integrity and performance. chances are that, thats a file using or masking itself as rundll32.exe and causeing damage to your computer. You can try using regedit to get the obvious. But sadly most programs are well hidden and embedded programs.
Since your getting this error meassage during e-mail sessions. either your service is infected, your friends computer is infected, or your computer is still infected. Some programs embed themselfs in hardware and memory also. such as a modem. rendering them useless.
Parents responsible again????????
by rub - 8/10/05 3:57 PM In reply to: 7/22/05 What is rundll32.exe, and where did it go? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If the kid buys drugs, blame the parents. If he buys tobacco, blame the parents. If he nuys booze.......... With both parents forced to work to provide the cash for the huge executive severance packages, they could lock the kids in a dungeon somewhere until they got home I suppose but then Child Services would have them in the slammer. There was a time in this country, in the smaller towns, when a kid couldn't screw up without half a dozen neighbors ratting on him. Now, there's not only more opportunities, the parents are the only ones who care in a lot of the cases and the kid is being abused if he can't be with his often unsupervised buddies. Face it. Any society that replaces ethics with money has only itself to blame, not its parents
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