Windows host process Rundll32 has stopped working

[Duck]

I am getting the message "Windows host process Rundll32 has stopped working" every time I open a folder that has any video files? I am running Vista Home Premium 32-bit version.

I fixed it once with System Restore, however I fix one problem, but it restores other problems again. This is really annoying and I don't know what is causing it or how to fix it.

Can anyone please help me?

[sergioKomic]

Rundll32.exe is a process which executes DLL's and places their libraries into the memory, so that they can be used more efficiently by applications. This program is important for the stable and secure running of your computer and should not be terminated. Check and ensure that the particular rundll.exe is situated in the System32 folder.

[Shen]

If you get the error when opening folders that contain video files, try this:

Open Control Panel > Folder Options > Always show Icons, Never Thumbnails

You can also follow these steps to try and find out, which software is causing this issue:

Type msconfig in Vista's search box and hit enter to open up the System Configuration Utility window.
Click on Services, and check in the "Hide all Microsoft services" checkbox.
Click on "Disable All" button.
Now click on "Startup" tab, and then click on "Disable All" button again.
Press OK button and then "Restart" button on the following window.
Effectively, you have turned off all non-microsoft services and startups.

[Gunilla]

If you have the Nero burning software installed, it could be this that is causing the problem. Browse to the following directory using Windows Explorer:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\DSFilter\

Then rename the following items (if they exist) from .ax to .old, as this will prevent them from being accessed:

* NeVideo.ax
* NeroVideoProc.ax
* lmpgspl.ax

This will prevent some of the Nero codecs from rendering video thumbnails, which is most likely the cause of the problem.

[Archibald]

Turn off Data Execution Prevention (DEP)

Another reason Rundll32 has stopped working can be popping up is if you have DEP running. DEP is a feature of Windows XP SP2 and Vista that prevents programs from running if it thinks there could be a problem.

You can turn off DEP by going to the command prompt and typing in the following command:

bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOff

Reboot now!