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jbc123456

4 Posts

194711

February 23rd, 2006 00:00

rundll error loading ctmbha.dll

Hi,
 
I'm getting the following rundll error.
 
error loading ctmbha.dll a dynamic link librayr (dll) inititiation routine failed.
 
Any suggestions?
 
thanks.
 
jbc

SteveGlascoe

4 Posts

February 27th, 2006 22:00

I am getting the same error message, altough not every reboot.  Dell told me to try some things but none worked.

 

EricSholander

3 Posts

March 17th, 2006 00:00

I am having the same problem every time I boot up.  Have either of you found a fix?  Support has been helpful in determining that it is not a hardware problem. 

lisalus72

1 Message

March 20th, 2006 04:00

I am getting this same message. My Dell XPS is only 3 days old!! Does anyone know what is causing this problem yet? I have only been running my aol and updates to my computer through the auto updates. This message came on at start up today twice. I hear it has something to do with the sound blaster...but what i do not know .... Help!!!!

SteveGlascoe

4 Posts

March 20th, 2006 08:00

They never could get the problem resolved.  They sent me a new computer with a TRUE Soundblaster card.

EricSholander

3 Posts

March 21st, 2006 02:00

Once the help desk determined it was not a hardware problem and that it was the ctmbha.dll file,   They told me to contact the company that was responsible for that software.  I just received a reply from Creative Labs telling me that it is Dell's issue.  I am back on the phone with Dell, I will let you know what I find out.

hwj

2 Posts

March 24th, 2006 05:00

Hi, all, I got same error "Error Loading CTMBHA.DLL", and my Audigy Advanced MB does work either since this error pops up each time turn the system on. I uninstall the Audigy, but no luck. Please help.

SteveGlascoe

4 Posts

March 24th, 2006 09:00

You will probably find out that the sound card in your system is NOT a Sound Blaster.  It is a Sigmatel on-board audio that they are using Sound Blaster drivers and software to drive it.  I think that in itself is a problem.  I complained to Dell because I though I was getting a true Sound Blaster card.  They ended up sending me a new system with a Sound BLaster Audigy Z2 which now I have NO problems with.

hwj

2 Posts

March 26th, 2006 04:00

Thank you, Steve, for sharing the information. Yes, you are right, my system has a Sigma Tel Audio too, so the Sound Blaster Audigy does not work on it.
 
 
 

max_cgn

10 Posts

April 7th, 2006 08:00

Hi,

I had just the same problem after restoring the system partition of my brand new Dimension 9150 (WinXP Pro) using the Dell recovery partition. Re-installing drivers from the Dell drivers and utilities CD, from Dell's online driver database, from the Creative drivers CD, and from Creative's online support was of no help. Dell support recommended to disable "Rundll32 CTMBHA.DLL" in the registry (HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run). That fixed the rundll error but I was still not able to run any of the Sound Blaster tools like the Creative EAX-Konsole.

Problem Solution

The solution was to do a fresh install of Windows XP Pro:

  1. Boot from the Windows XP CD and re-install the operating system
  2. Install the Dell chipset driver (from Dell online driver database or utility CD)
  3. Make sure your PC has internet access at this point
  4. Put the Sound Blaster Audigy ADVANCED MB installtion CD into your CD drive and follow the installation instructions (you will have to register your driver online, thus you'll need internet access and an e-mail address)
  5. Follow the rest of the Reinstall Guide
Problem Cause

First of all, the contents of the recovery image appear to slightly differ from what's initially on your system partition. That would at least explain, why the error only occurred after system recovery.

Furthermore, the difference between normal onboard sound and the Sound Blaster Audigy ADVANCED HD Audio option seems to be only the driver. Yes, you read correctly - the hardware is just the same. That's why you find a SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC in your device list. And this is the reason why you need not only an activation key for the Audigy drivers but also to register online and supply a valid E-mail address.

In order to prevent unlicensensed usage of the driver, CTMBHA.DLL seems to check whether you are a legitimate user. This check fails after you have recovered your system partition, loosing the driver activation information. Unfortunately, it's impossible at present to re-activate the driver whithout re-installing the operationg system.

Pre-Sales Recommendation

If you haven't already ordered your Dimension system, I would recommend to either go with the normal onboard sound or spend the money for a true extension card. The hardware of the Audigy onboard solution is identical to the normal onboard sound and it's the Digital Audio Converter (DAC) chip that determines the character of the sound (background information). Besides this, you won't have to deal with DLL errors after recovering factory install (show-stoper for corporate users).

By the way, if you want a 9150 because of its onboard RAID capabilities, you should also consider to better buy a real RAID extension card (background information)

Best regards,
Max

Message Edited by max_cgn on 04-07-200604:38 AM

SteveGlascoe

4 Posts

April 7th, 2006 09:00

Thanks, but I had this problem from the beginning, even AFTER I registered with Sound Blaster.  So, I do not think it was a problem with registration or recovery.

Thanks for you thoughts.

 

FroggFuzz

3 Posts

April 7th, 2006 12:00

Max,

I regret not having answered your post earlier. I am a teacher at a college here and I have been busy beginning the new term.

Anyway, while I have not yet had the opportunity to follow your very clear directions, I do want to thank you for the time and effort you have obviously spent on my behalf.

After I have had time to follow your instructions, I will again reply and let you know how it has worked out.

Best wishes and thanks again.

Froggfuzz

 

 

Santibanez

17 Posts

April 12th, 2006 03:00

mmm this seems to be a solution but thin is got tons of music im gonna have to get a newer version of a win xp to be able to try this thing , its been 2 weeks and non of dell technicians know what to do its ridiculous , i get the same thing on audio devices i get that thing that says sigmatelaudio :/ ill buy a newer xp version and try i guess

Corgidog59

11 Posts

April 17th, 2006 12:00

I too am having an issue with "CTMBHA.DLL" with my XPS 400.  I have had my XPS 400 all of 5 days now.  I have read all the posts (here and elsewhere) and I am not all that encourgaged.  To re-load the entire operating systems is a bit much.  At this point, I have partitioned my drive and loaded/updated lots of applications and data files.  I have tried to disable the file using the instructions mentioned in this thread but Windows does not like that very much.  It tells me it will not boot up nornally until I essentially re-check the box. 
 
It is annoying to log into XP and get that error message but I guess I will just have to live with it.  Other than that, all systems are "GO".  My XPS 400 seems to be working without a hitch.  Any way, I am none too happy that Dell has allowed this situation to occur.  
 
Can I just upgrade my sound card and software at somepoint down the road and will that fix the problem?  Yes, it is extra money, but I thinking about doing it  even when I ordered my XPS 400 in the first place. 
 
Solidarity my brothers and sisters.
 
Brooke

Santibanez

17 Posts

April 19th, 2006 12:00

i tried same didnt work , dell support is useless in latin america they blame my reecordin software . lol..... im gonna have to buy a new sound card

mrmamiller

4 Posts

April 25th, 2006 22:00

Does anyone have a solution on this CTMBHA.DLL thing?  I really don't want to reload everything.  In my case, I have a Dell E510, less than 3 weeks old.  They replaced the computer due to hardware problems and told me to go ahead and restore my Ghost 2003 image to the new drive.  After that, I have all the same errors you folks talk about.  Uninstalls fail, etc.  I called Dell tonight and they said that it was a software issue and they are not responsible for that, even though they sold me the software with the system.  If I wanted to talk to someone about the software, it was gonna cost me just to talk.  You know where that went.  Why pay to talk to someone who knows nothing?

So, any further ideas beyond buying a new sound card or reloading EVERYTHING?  I'd like to know what has worked with the least pain.  I am just too busy with work to reload just now, maybe after I retire.

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