C:\Windows\system32\UTILDLL.dll ERROR

I've read a couple of other posts concerning my issue and it's apparent to me that each situation is unique, so I'm posting in spite of seeing this issue in several other posts.

To fill in a few more details, prior to posting here I went through the rigorous process in the MG malware forum (ran all the tools, posted the logs etc...) and was told this is not a malware issue. Prior to that I ran sfc.exe /scannow through the elevated command prompt at least 3 times. Each time it indicated some files would be repaired upon reboot. I read in another forum that this would indicate the scan should be run again. After the third time with identical results I gave up.

I also ran chkdsk /r from the elevated command prompt twice. The first time their were several orphaned files and a couple of other random fixes that appeared. The 2nd time it ran clean.

The issue is related to the task manager. When I press ctrl+alt+del I get a dialog with the following "C:\Windows\system32\UTILDLL.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support." This will only close after repeated and rapid clicks, then taskmanager will open.

The machine runs great other than this one stupid glitch.

Here are some of my system specs.: Dell Inspiron 1521, Win Vista 32 sp2, AVG AV. Let me know if you need more.

 

I don't run Vista so the best I could do was look in my Win 7.
utildll.dll has a size of 31 kb and the version is 6.1.7601.17514 and was modified 20 Nov. 2010.

Do you have the file? What are the properties?

 

Hi my friend , welcome to MG's :major

You can look at these posts

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...er-error/3619b16a-6643-489e-af15-17f527df002e
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=177941

corrupt files is the problem i think , you can read Ashish_Tiger replied on June 4 , 2009 even chaslang on 12-31-08, 20:53 readings :wave

 

The file exists, but in name only. It's 0 kb, so obviously that's not good.

I don't have an original OS installation disc. Can I simply copy the file from another computer with the identical Vista SP2 32 bit OS?

 

I suspect you might be able to copy it from a clean computer running the same 32 bit Vista as you are running.

I also have that file in a few other locations. Before you copy it from another computer, search for utildll.dll and see if it is larger than 0kb somewhere else on your computer. If so, copy that file to the C:\Windows\system32 folder.

XP has a C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache folder and there is one in there.
I also have a C:\i386 folder with one in there too.

 

I found the file in two other locations. In one location it was 0 kb, but in the other it was 29 kb.

Is it the exact same file in each location?

Can I simply copy the 29 kb version and replace the troublesome 0 kb location?

What about the other 0 kb location that I have just now discovered?

 

Where is the other location (with the 29KB version)?

 

It seems I have answered some of my own questions.

I attempted to copy the from another machine with the same OS and it can't be done. First, the original util.dll file cannot be renamed, and second it will not save any changes to the file.

So, there must be another way.

Anyone have any ideas?? I can't find anything on the web that clearly resolves this issue. There seem to be a # of posts with the same problem, but none with a clear answer.

 

To answer your question pwillener: C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_microsoft-windows-t..nalservices-utildll_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_0f4727e99453b673

is the location of the 29 kb util.dll file

 

Copy it first, then try deleting it using Unlocker.

The folder you found the 29KB version should be good; it seems to be the last update folder from Windows Update.

 

IT WORKED!!

Once I downloaded Unlocker I simply right clicked on the 0kb version of util.dll and selected unlocker (which had been added to the right click menu: nice feature). It gave me the option to delete, rename, and something else too (can't remember), so I renamed it (just to be safe). Then copied the 29kb version from the location I mentioned in a previous post and rebooted (again just being precautionary). Upon reboot the task manager launches normally (ctrl+alt+del) without any issues!!! Then I went and deleted the renamed file.

I am so grateful!!

Anyone have any thoughts on why this happened in the first place. I've had no evidence of Malware or Viruses.

Thanks to everyone who helped me!! I'm very grateful!