C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe Application not found

HP Laptop running Windows XP Pro was infected. I have cleaned it and it now
boots to the Desktop. The above error, or something similar, appears when
ever I try to do some thing. eg RMC on My computer and click Properties. When
running some programs it asks which program to run it with. The rundll32.exe
file was not missing but I replaced it anyway. Restarted but to no avail.
My feeling is that some basic path is corrupted or missing.
Any suggestions?

[Antryg]

I found a solution on majorgeeks.com. Use the link

and then scroll down to no 12. Save to desktop and then RMC and merge. It
restores exe file associations.

If you go to the website Antryg links to, open number 12, firefox and chrome seem to just open it as text, so copy all the text and paste it into a notepad document. Then go to File, Save As. Under "Save as type:" select "All Files" and give it a name you wish with a ".reg" (without the quotes) extension after the name. I saved it to the desktop that I was working on. Then just double click it, if it gives you an "open with..." error, you might have to right click the file, and go to run as, then uncheck the box that says something like "protect my computer and files from programs" then click okay and run it. This will prompt you with a new window asking if you want to make the change to the registry, click "Yes" then restart your computer. It worked like a dream and fixed that issue as well as a few other minor ones. The only thing you have to be worried about is if the error was caused by a virus you removed, one or two of your programs may need reinstalled/repaired. This is what I ran into, but it was tax software that's not too common, so not much to fear.

[pilianni]

worked brilliantly... haven't even rebooted and everything is working again, I picked up a virus (XP Security) and before I could kill it, my computer went wild so I restored to an earlier date just get in to deal with the virus then I kept getting the "Open With" box, so I followed Antryg instructions and now things are working great. I just have to check for any remnants of the virus, reboot and that's it.

Oh My God!!! How many re-formats have I done after some infections. This was PERFECT!!!

This was an excellent fix thank you from a dummy who opened the USP notification and caused himself too much grief, but after following the instructions here all fixed thank you very much, (one small prob with Mozilla Thunderbird afterwards but a bit of mucking about I fixed that)

Very useful advice. I had a user bring in his laptop this morning and had the situation where no desktop icons would open. I had never come across anything like this before. The downloadable file above fixed it perfectly.

It worked like a charm, you took my headache away, I was afraid and about to run the install for Windows right when I found this tread, I can almost give you kiss!!!! to show what sacrifice can make to show my appreciation MAN !!

[mxraceteammdriver]

OK, maybe I'm just not talented enough to do this, I went to the provided link, saved it to a notepad, then saved it to desk top. But I am unable to find a way to run it. I saved the left column and it said it could not run because it was not binary code, so I saved the right column and am still unable to find a way to get it to run, double click opens code, right click has no run as option. Am I just infected further? It has caused IE to be gone from my laptop. Could use some help here. Thanks.

I am having the same problem as stated here - rundll32.exe not found. i have copied the exe from the link. please can u let me know what you mean by RMC and then merge.

[marcmywrdz]

Did you make sure to save the file as "All Files" instead of a text document?

I know this post is pretty old, but Antryg you are Awesome!! Saved me hours or research and work.

I let a friend borrow my netbook. It came back with a virus and this file missing. I had no idea what to do, then found your information.

[Vulpixen]

I am having the same problem. I copied all of the text to notepad and saved it as a .reg. I run it and I say yes to the "do you want to change the registry?" notice but then it comes up with a message that says "Cannot import C:\Documents and Settings\ James\Desktop\XPfix.reg: The specified file is not a registry script. You can only import binary registry files from within the registry editor." Does this mean that I have to go to C:\WINDOWS\regedit and import the file from there? Oh and mxraceteammdriver, RMC means Right Mouse Click.

[strider1]

Antryg-thanks so much for your help with the c:\windows\system32 problem. the link and download worked perfect. My grandson now has a working computer again. Thanks again

[Kintyre]

I am having this same issue with my laptop. I have tried to run an antivirus/spyware/malware software and am unable to run any software at all. How can I fix this rundll32.exe issue if I can't clean my computer first?

[frodoxxx]

Three hours trying everything from from a complete new install to trying to set the computer back to factory settings and nothing worked.

Google directed me to your site and 10 minutes latter the computer is as good as new.

Now i believe in magic!

Thanks a lot

Cheers

[Talentedtalker]

Question to anyone who used this.....I am not finding any numbers - you said scroll down to no 12 on majorgeeks.com? Also what is RMC. Also if I have Explorer for my browser - MSN...I am assuming I just download and dont have to go the notepad route...is that correct? Can you tell me how to do if I am not on firefox or chrome?

[Talentedtalker]

Any help would be appreciated - as I do radio show editing weekly on my computer and this is problem is driving me batso. I cant open my Internet Options to clear out files. Audio editing takes massive space on my computer - so I really need to clear files. Does anyone know how to clear internet files without going to Internet Options from the Control Panel. That seems to be the only place I get the error message about - C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe application not found.

Once again my question to anyone who used this approach from majorgeeks.com:

I am not finding any numbers - Antryg said scroll down to no 12 on majorgeeks.com. I dont see any numbers and by subjects listed on that page - it doesnt seem like that is the correct application or download.

Also (I know , I know, showing my ignorance even further here but ) what is RMC? Also, if I have Explorer for my browser - MSN...I am assuming I just download and dont have to go the notepad route...is that correct? Can you tell me how to do if I am not on firefox or chrome? OY!

Thanks a bunch in advance

[AhmedK]

@Talentedtalker

I ran into the same problem as you. After some googling I got the website.

scroll down to item #12 and save the text file with whatever name say: New Text File.reg worked for me. double click it and click OK on the message boxes that appear and that should fix the problem without even having to restart the computer.

[Lambard]

This problem can be resolved by copying the rundll.exe file in the system folder c/windows/system32, You can find this file in c:\windows\system32\dllcache or c:\windows\servicepackfiles\i386. Just copy this file to the system folder c:\windows\system32.

[Anyone2u]

Posted: 04/22/11
I was having the same problem as others had and a Google search turned up this site and this thread. Maybe outdated but I didn't see the link and nothing listed here worked. I joined just to provide the solution that worked for me.

ITEMS NEEDED:
1) A working computer that has internet access.
2) A USB drive (or other means) to get a small file to your broken computer.

OPTION 1 (shorter):
1) Click on the following link and download the xp_exe_fix.reg file
http://www.box.net/shared/6xe190zyty
2) Move it to the "broken" computer (if necessary)
3) Run it. Hopefully it worked.

OPTION 2 (longer and more detailed)
STEP 1:
Go to this site: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm and click on the following link (should be the 9th one down): "EXE File Association Fix"
OR
You can just click on this direct link: xp_exe_fix.zip

STEP 2
As the file is a compressed "Zipped" file (ie .zip) you should get a dialogue box asking you if you want to "Run" or "Save" the file. "Run" the file and it will unzip it and should show the following file: xp_exe_fix.reg

STEP 3
Plug in your USB drive and move the "xp_exe_fix.reg" file to it. Move the USB drive from the "working" computer to your "broken" computer. Hopefully your computer can find the USB drive.

STEP 4
Locate the file on the USB drive and move it to the desktop of the "broken" computer.

STEP 5
Double click on the file which should give you the following popup: "Are you sure you want to add the information in..." Click "Yes" and it will quickly run the program.

Hopefully that will be the end of your problem. :)

[grammaton]

well I simply registered to say thank you to Anyone2u, I went with your option one and in less than a minute my pc was fixed. very relieved considering I had just reformatted 2 days ago and the thought of reinstalling everything again this soon was just sickening.