Error, cannot load powrprof.dll

Hello,

My computer has recently been running into errors, ever since it automatically installed Windows XP Service Pack 3. Oddly enough, while I use my computer throughout the entire day, the errors often happen at the end of the day, and often while I have been away from my computer for a little while before then (e.g., gone to prepare supper).

On one occasion, it generated the error message "Cannot load PowrProf.dll" about 46 times. On such occasions, it freezes up my computer such that I am forced to do a hard reboot.

On the latest occasion, before I could record what the numerous error messages were, the computer was rebooted, and on reboot it generated the following Microsoft Windows error report. I have attached a zipped copy of the error report for your convenience (a zipped *.bmp file).

I would appreciate your advice on solving these problems as until now my computer had never crashed.

 

Hi,

Thank you for that advice.
<<I searched for that file, but nothing came up on my computer. The last part (i.e., WER6aa1.dir00\mini081408-01.dmp) could not be located. As this is located in a temporary folder, could it be that it has somehow been scrapped? My recycle bin still has items in it since before the last crash so I don't think a "cleanup" was performed on my system. I have "show all hidden files and folders" enabled so it shouldn't be hidden either.>>

I finally located the file in C:\WINDOWS\Minidump. The date seems to match, so I am assuming it was simply placed in a different location than originally specified. However, how do I attach the file as a text attachment? When I open it in Notepad, it gives complete gobbledygook.

Thanks.

 

I downloaded Debugging Tools for Windows in order to open the dump file. I have attached a txt copy of it here.

Thanks.

 

Probably caused by : smwdm.sys ( smwdm+4704 )

Description: A blue screen error may occur and the notebook will restart. A Windows Serious Error referring to smwdm.sys will appear after Windows starts or reboots.

Solution: To resolve this problem download and install the latest audio driver for your notebook PC