Windows systems32 error & Registry Cleaners

I have a HP computer, and running Windows XP 2003 (2003 I think). For two weeks now, I have had a particular error systems 32 message pop up whenever I access Windows and anything from Windows. I click okay on the pop up, and then I'm able to access the program. I have read the similar threads for systems32 error, and I do not think they apply.

This is the message received in which also includes the program:

Bad image system32 not a valid Windows image

Upon researching about this error, this is what was stated:

Bad image system32 not a valid Windows image

You can safely ignore this error message. The error message is displayed by an incorrect operation in the Dumpel.exe program. This program is contained in MPSReport.

This event is logged when Windows experiences desktop heap exhaustion. You receive the error message that is mentioned in the "Symptoms" section every time this event is logged.

You may receive a "The application or DLL C:\Windows\System32\win32k.sys is not a valid Windows image" error in MPSReport on a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000

Even so, this is very annoying and concerns me. Also, I've had problems with the computer freezing, and slowing down since this systems32 error. I had used Mircrosoft online to check for viruses and malware and such, and none found. (I have Trend Micro Antivirus and Spy Sweeper). As you can see I am not a computer expert.

Since I am not a computer expert, what about those free registry cleaners? Are they safe? Or is it downloading a virus or malware of some sorts? I don't know what to trust anymore. Here is the website for a free registry cleaner which lists other registery cleaners: http://registrycleanerhelp.org/7fjw/

I'm asking for help as to what to do in fixing this system32 error, please.

Thank you.

 

Okay first thing It's either windows XP OR Windows 2003 server ( someone will correct me if I'm Wrong)
The second thing about registry cleaners, 1 if u don't know what your doing you have a good chance of paying someone alot money to fix your computer.. While on the other hand they can be good if u know that they are reputible and other people you know have used them with out ANY problems.
Why pay for one? When the is a free program called Cccleaner that will help with registry problems issues as well help cleaning your harddive for junk files...
You can download it here to give a try and see if that helps

http://majorgeeks.com/CCleaner_d5125.html

 

Thanks, NightFirer and MarkTrent.

I do believe that perhaps a malware or bug of sorts may have started this. My anti-virus program had caught a couple of viruses before the systems32 error began. Anyway, I still don't know what I'm doing, but I'm willing to learn more as to what to do. I'll follow the instructions in the Malware Removal thread, and use the CCleaner.

I do have a problem as this computer will not restore. I checked to see if restore is allowed, and it is. Yet, no restore. I turned off the spyware and anti-virus programs and tried restore at various points, and no restore would take. I do not know how to work out of what is called "Safe" or whatever it is called. Anyhooooo..... I'll do the steps for malware removal and go from there.

 

Hi Prairie Wind and welcome to Majorgeeks.com

Good to hear you have found the Read & Run Me First malware removal thread. Be sure to start a new thread in the Malware Forum and post up your logs there as requested in the removal instructions, and not in this thread

Once the Authorized Malware Fighters have given your PC a clean bill of health you can always come back here for assistance on any residual issues you are experiencing.

 

Thanks Lev for the infor and welcome.

I just started with the Read and Run Me First process, and I will post in the Malware Forum what is going on. My PC is not doing well.