DLL Initialization Failed

On re-booting my computer, right before Windows shuts down, an error message
flashes by quickly. It says, "dwwin.exe - DLL Initialization Failed. The
application failed to initialize because the window station is shutting
down."

What does this mean? Is there any way to fix this? I really don't know
when this started. This error does not seem to be causing any problems.
(Also, I might add that I'm limited in my computer knowledge!)

dwwin.exe is Doctor Watson. This is a windows error checking program so it
is not actually affecting the way windows or other applications work. Check
your programs list for Dr. Watson and see if it will run. I would not worry
about it too much, you can always go to the "add remove programs list" and
uninstall it I believe.

Sounds like you have a program open in the background that never fully
loads. Check your startup folder and the registry for programs that are
starting automatically at boot.

I have the same problem and removed Dr. Watson (still have the problem). But
you mention an open program. I did a msconfig and in startup I have an
"Startup Item" and "Command" without a name, would this be the problem?

[wjveno]

I am new to the forum and just wanted to post a quick reply.
I have done some research on this and found that most people's solution is
to delete Dr Watson, and disable it in the Registry. Either that or disable
the "Error Reporting Service" from the administrative services.

I do not believe that this is a valid option, as error reporting services usually
alert you to more serious problems before it is to late.

I had the same error on my system, and tracked it down to update software
for my APC finger print reader (biometrics). The program was called weblink.exe and started in the HKLM (RUN) folder:
HKey_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Please do not modify the registry without some experience, and unsure to
back up the entire registry!

I would suggest looking at the run list in the registry (using regedit command)
and one startup at a time, look for the actual command (like file.exe) at the end of the command (ex: "C:\Program Files\somename\file.exe").
Then run the Task Manager (taskmgr) and in the process tab try and find the command, click onto it, and press on the "end process" button. If it does not
terminate, try right clicking on it and left click on "end process tree".
Now restart your computer and see if the error still shows on shutdown.
Repeat the process until you find the process (by not getting the error on
shutdown). If you can get the system to reboot without the error, then you
can remove it from the registry key below, ONLY:
HKey_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

By right clicking on the command then left clicking on delete. Make sure you
have a backup of the registry first! By right clicking on "My Computer" at the
top of the registry, and left clicking on "export". Save it where ever you like.

If you are not finding the process in the registry, then try your windows startup under your profile, and the "all users" profile. Also you can try your current user profile "run" in the registry at the following location:
HKey_Current_User\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Its a bit of manual work, but I think it best to fix the problem and not the
alert telling you theres a problem.
I hope this helps you in some small way, or at least for reference.