system cards.DLL file corrupted

The Free Cell game that came with my computer stopped working. I removed it. Now, trying to download a copy of the game, I get this message: "C:\Windows System Cards.DLL file appears to be corrupted. Reinstall the file and then try again." I'm very reluctant to do anything with Windows files without some expert guidance. Can someone give me step-by-step help? (I tried System File Checker and it didn't show any corrupted files.)

 

If you need any help with any of this, post back and ask.

First, open Explorer, navigate to Windows\System\, find cards.dll, and send a copy of it to a floppy (or to another folder) so you'll have it, even though it may be corrupted.
Next, download a new copy of cards.dll from THIS LINK and unzip it to C:\Windows\System (or unzip it to your desktop and then Move it to Windows\System), and when you're asked whether you want to replace the cards.dll that's already there, say Yes.
Now it might be a good idea to download a fresh copy of the FreeCell installation file, because the one you used unsuccessfully may be unable to run again.
Try with the fresh copy and let us know whether you succeed.

 

Even though this is not rocket science, I suppose I'm in over my head here. I finally got the Free Cell icon on the desktop, but when I click it, I get this message: "The FREECELL.EXE file is linked to missing export CARDS.DLL:cdt.term." I downloaded the new copy of cards from the link you gave me. Actually, I can't find it in Windows/System now, but there was a message (when I moved it from the desktop to Windows/System using Windows Explorer) to the effect that there already was a copy and did I want to replace it, to which I responded "yes." Where am I?

 

I seem to recall that in Win98, if you add a new file, it goes to the bottom of the alphabetical list until you close and re-open Explorer or hit the Refresh key or button. Did you look way down at the bottom of the file list in Windows\System? Close and re-open Explorer and look again. If you put it in there, it's there.

Is the file that's on your desktop now a new one (not the one you had trouble installing before)?

 

Listen, I have this strong feeling that you're going around your elbow to get to your thumb (whatever that means). You have the Windows 98 CD, right?
Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, click the Windows Setup tab and wait a moment for the list to get populated. Now click Accessories and click the Details button below. If Games is checked**, uncheck it and close the Control panels panels by OK-ing your way out. Now Start, Settings, Control Panel, Add/Remove, Windows Setup, Accessories, Details, and CHECK the Games box and OK your way out.
(**If Games is UNchecked, CHECK it, and OK your way out of there.)

That should do it with a fresh install of FreeCell.

 

Wisewiz: By now, I'm not sure if my elbow is connected to my heelbone or to my neckbone. Using your last suggestion, I now have Games back under Accessories. BUT, regardless of which of the four I click, I get this message: "One of the library files needed to run this program is damaged. To repair this damage, reinstall this program." So I removed Games, reinstalled Games, clicked Free Cell, and got the same message. I suspect it's that old cards.dll file, but who am I to say?
I have just checked Windows/System and the Cards.dll file is there. But when I click it, I get the box asking me what program I want to use to open it. Now what does this mean?