Windows ME smgr.dll error

Hello all,

Any help would be appreciated. I have a Dell Dimension 8100; WinME; 20G HD. I attempted to remove files, to make space and received this message at restart:
stmgr has caused an error in smgr.dll. Stmgr will now close.

Desktop is still there but 'start' button, taskbar, and desktop icons are all missing. When I try to right click, nothing happens. I did ctrl + alt+delete and got task manager, but no option for 'new task', only end task, shut down, or cancel.

As stated, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.:confused

 

Thanks Plodr,

Problem is, I can't access anything. All I see is desktop picture (background photo). On boot up, I can access bios, but that's about it.

 

When I press F8:
Microsoft Windows Millennum Startup Menu
1. Normal
2. Logged (BOOTLOG.TXT)
3. Safe mode
4. Step-by-step confirmation
Enter a choice _

F5=Safe mode Shift+F8=Step-by-step confirmation [N]

Tired them all, safe mode only changes the look of the pic but same problem.
(BOOTLOG.TXT), nothing happens.
Here's the results of Step-by-step confirmation:

Windows will prompt you to confirm each startup command.
1. Process the system registry [Enter=Y, Esc = N]?
2. Create a startup log file?
3. Enable SMART DRV disk cache?
4. Loading and initializing IFSHLP.SYS driver...
Complete.
5. Load all Windows drivers?
6. vnetsup.vxd?
7. ndis.vxd?
8. JAVASUP.VXD?
9. vnetbios.vxd?
10. vredir.vxd?
11. dfs.vxd?
12. ndiswan.vxd?
13. C:\PROGRA~1\SYMANTEC\SYMEVNT.386?
14. msmouse.vxd?

(it hangs here for about 2-3 minutes after I press Enter, then goes to desktop picture. After about 3-5 minutes, that dreaded message box appears: "Stmgr has caused an error in SMGR.DLL.
Stmgr will now close. If you continue to experience problems, try restarting your computer."

Thanks so much for your help & your patience.
________________________________________________________________
By the way, I forgot to mention that the files I discussed, were moved to a flash drive. But while the computer is experiencing this problem, it does not recognize the flash drive. It did, however recognize my cd rom when I booted up using my Win XP disk. I thought that maybe using the XP disk would reload the missing .dll file. I did not install because I didn't want to lose my current files.

I hope this makes sense. I just want to give a clear detail of what's going on.

 

C:\windows\Options\Cabs\Setup.exe - if I remember it correctly - it's a default setting BUT only for some versions of ME, not for all.

I think it can only run from within Windows Not much good if you cannot get to a Command Prompt or Explorer.

From a boot disk (floppy or CD), I think you can only do a parallel install. (I may be wrong, been a long while for me too)

 

Thanks Plodr and Satrow,

I'm sorry for the delay in response... I've been taking final exams.

I so appreciate all of the input that you've given. I tried the suggestions, but I couldn't get to a command prompt. I also tried to scan hdd by shutting down via the power button, but when the scan disk comes up, it's already checked at Standard Scan. Thorough Scan is 'gray' so I don't have an option to click it.

Also, I see that there are 'google ads' for .dll fix listed between our posts; do you know if these are credible links? I'm fairly new here so I figured I'd ask before trying any of them.

Again, thanks for all of your help.

 

do you have a disk for ME? if so, just reinstall over the original (without formatting) and it should replace any of the file(s) that arent there anymore.

 

can ya go to XP??

 

Hi ChristopherJB,

Actually, it's my brother's computer. I was running extremely slow so he asked me to remove some files and I guess I over did it. Due to the amount of programs and files, mostly pics and music, there wasn't enough space to access Control Panel. What I did was dragged office files and pictures onto a flash drive. Problem is, I realized that I included 2 folders by accident and now I can't access anything and the computer does not recognize the flash drive. I even tried to install a second hard drive, but it doesn't recognize that either. The only action that takes place is if I boot up with an .exe disk. For instance, when I booted up with my XP disk, it worked, but I didn't install, I only attempted to fix the .dll error, to no avail.

I have a 'Ultimate Computer Repair' disk which lets me see the files & programs on the computer, but I don't know enough about it so I have been hesitant to use it.

Bottom line, I haven't told my brother what happened yet so unless I can this fixed before he gets back...
I'm stuck! :cry

 

A special thanks to everyone who has been responding to my post.

No Smokingun, I don't have a ME disk... Wish I did!!!

Thanks Plodr regarding the .dll fix programs.

 

Re: Windows ME smgr.dll error - SOLVED!!!

I'm dancing in the isles...!!!

:wave

Hello all,
Just an update which, I hope will be helpful to anyone having this problem.

I bought a WindowsME disk and, closing my eyes tight while peeking through my fingers, I installed it over the current ME. Lo and Behold... when it finished loading... the 'Start' button and Taskbar appeared. Not only that, everything (all files & programs) were still installed and working. I just had to reinstall 'MSOffice', as 'Repair', only because the animated 'Office Assistants' needed to be reinstalled. :-D :-D

Again... thank you all soooooooo much for all of your help and input. :major

 

Re: Windows ME smgr.dll error - SOLVED!!!

just curious where you "bought" one from?

other than that, it's good to hear it worked...

 

Hi Smokingun,

A co-worker found it online for me.