UxTheme.dll error; can't load Windows XP

I wanted to download a holiday theme for XP. I ended up installing this TopThemes program and a holiday desktop theme. Well, it kinda slowed down my computer, so while it was running, i went to Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs and uninstalled it. Then the computer froze, so I did a ctrl+alt+del and restarted the computer. It loaded with an error message that a few files were unable to be located. "This application has failed to start because UxTheme.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem." So I sign in with my password and I have nothing but a blank screen. I hit C+A+D again to get to task manager and I get a message saying: "taskmgr.exe - unable to locate component. This application has failed to start because UxTheme.dll was not found...blah blah blah." But it comes up. The box is blank, so I hit add task and browse and am able to get online that way. I then go into TopThemes under Program files and open it. I go to restore defaults and when I hit apply at the end, I get a box popping up saying Theme XP cannot find Program Manager. I hit OK. Then I get a Microsoft Visual C ++ Debug Library message saying "Program C:\ProgramFiles\TopThemesXP\TopThemesXP.exe abnormal program termination (press retry to debug the application) with the usual Abort Retry and Ignore buttons. I hit retry and it gave me the old wallpaper (blue), but still nothing on reboot.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I don't suppose it would be this easy, by in task manager, I don't suppose if you go to file->new task (run), and type "regsvr32 /u UxTheme.dll", and reboot, the problem disappears?

 

UXtheme.dll is not a registerable file. Unregistering it isn't going to help, as its needed for normal mode.

Its not used in Safe Mode.

What version of XP do you have? What service pack level?

 

If you have your XP CD then you should be able to either extract a new copy of that file or use System File Checker to replace it.

 

Tried and got a window saying regsvr32.exe - unable to locate component

 

Tina, as Adrynalyne said, it's not registerable so don't waste your time.

If you can reply to both our posts, then we may be able to help further.

 

Don't have one

 

So you don't have an XP CD? What do you have?

Also, what version of XP and what Service Packs are installed?

 

Insomniac, should be under C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386. I think.

Steve

 

XP and SP3

 

Oh Windows XP Professional

 

I'm assuming you mean XP with SP2 as their is no SP3 in XP.

Do you have the file in question in your System32 folder? (you may need to enable show hidden files and folders)

 

I have a uxtheme.org and a uxtheme.sp2

 

And I did a Belarc Advisor if that helps. I don't know what half of the stuff is on there.

 

Try manually installing the file to your System32 folder.

You can download a copy from HERE.

 

Thanks for taking over Insomniac. These finals are killing me.

 

Don't go anywhere, you'll probably be needed!

I'm not as versed on XP as you are.

(I hate the end of year, too much happening!) Good luck.

 

Ok...I'm a dummy. I don't know what the heck I'm doing. I went to that site, but it says to install a file for a certain service pack, but then to install a multipatch, but when I go to download it, nothing happens. I registered and everything. So, I rebooted in safe mode...same stuff happening. The files that come up are:
Isass.exe
Services.exe

then after putting in my password:
userinit.exe
explorer.EXE

Oh, and in safe mode, it says XP Build 2600 xpsp_sp2.gdr, whatever that means!

Still no explorer, etc. All this due to this stupid little file that I can't even find?

 

Just download the file I linked, then copy it to your System32 folder.

I really can't elaborate any more than that.

 

Well, if you happen to have installed SP2 from the net, and can't download the file I think "Matacumbie" might be on the right track. Try new task run in task manager, typing "cmd" (then ok), and typing (enter after each line)
cd C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386
(if you get a "path not found" error after this message, don't bother typing the rest, it won't work)
copy uxtheme.dll c:\windows\system32

Then reboot.

Actually, since it sounds like you have an OEM image installed comp, trying:
cd c:\i386
copy uxtheme.dll c:\windows\system32

might not be a bad idea either.

Hope this helps!

 

That did the job! Thanks sooooo much! It was a lot easier than I thought!

 

RElease help. XP-pro will boot/load in safemode, not boot/load normal

Dear Gecks,
YOU ARE THE BEST!!! I'm glad you joined the forum when you did!
Thank you so much for taking the time to explain every step and detail to me about how to go about my PC problem. I have tried to access you through the post you responed to with no luck, so I just had to find another way to thank you.
We are FINALLY up and running!! Thank you!! I wish you all the best as this year ends and the New Year comes.

Residentbull.

 

Thanks and glad to hear it's sorted.