system32\rundll32.exe Missing?

Discussion in 'Software' started by Chairman Wood, Feb 11, 2007.

  1. Chairman Wood

    Chairman Wood Private E-2

    Hello everyone,
    I recently encountered a problem when I tried to add a headset to my computer. I cannot add hardware from the control panel window because I receive an error message saying:

    "Windows cannot find 'C:\windows\system32\rundll32.exe' Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then click Search."

    Now I believe what might have caused this problem is that I was doing a spyware/malware/adware removal that I do every once in awhile and this one might have wiped off a bit too much. Where do you suggest I go from here?

    Thank you so much in advance for all your help. This forum rocks!
     
  2. DeweyBad

    DeweyBad Private First Class

    There should be another copy of that file from a windows update or something copy the file found in the other directory to the location you posted and try that process again.
     
  3. Chairman Wood

    Chairman Wood Private E-2


    I'm sorry, I don't understand. Where exactly do I look for this file? Which directory? Thank you.
     
  4. DeweyBad

    DeweyBad Private First Class

    Just do a search of your hard drive for the file above and the newest file found copy it to that original location.
     
  5. manmachine

    manmachine Private E-2

    Assuming you're running XP SP2 you should find the file in C:\Windows\ServicePackFiles\i386\Rundll32.exe, otherwise get your install CD, the file is located in the i386 folder, open up a command prompt and tape in:
    expand D:\I386\RUNDLL32.EX_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\RUNDLL32.EXE
    (D: is my CDROM letter drive, check out your system tree in windows explorer to be sure it's yours too..) The file will be then deflated in your system folder.
    Regards
     
  6. Chairman Wood

    Chairman Wood Private E-2

    I really apologize cause I still can't seem to help myself.

    Yeah, sorry I can't find it still. :(

    I am running XP SP2. However when I look for it the file is not there. The closest thing is a file called runonce.exe.

    I do not have the cd. Regrettably I left it at my house in the US and I will not be returning until June. Is there anything else I could do? I believe that when I bought the computer it did not have SP2 on it and I had to download it. Would downloading it again and reinstalling it be helpful? Where? Is there any other solution. I really appreciate you all taking the time to try to help me. Thank you.
     
  7. bigbazza

    bigbazza R.I.P. 14/12/2011 - Good Onya Geek

    Check out google link

    http://www.google.com/search?as_q=r...as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&as_rights=&safe=images

    There are lots of links on the right hand side that will / should, fix your rundll32.exe problem.

    There should be links in the body of the links that should also fix your problem.

    As a last resort, PM me your email address and I can send my copy to you.
    It is only 33kb's in size.

    Alternatively, do you know anyone with a PC near to you?
    Copy their program from C:\windows\System 32 onto a floppy/CD/DVD/USB stick and install it onto your PC. Bazza

    Check out http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=117094 for more links. Baz
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2007
  8. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Have you run Spybot Search & Destroy in recent times? Check its backups. It had been known to remove the rundll32.exe file in conjunction with SmiFraud-C infections. If this is what happened, you can just restore it from the backup.
     

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