If rundll32.exe is corrupt you can replace it by going to Start|Run, typing
sfc /scannow and clicking OK. You may be prompted to insert your Windows XP reinstallation CD. This will replace any missing or corrupted system files.
I ran sfc /scannow but that did not help. I received no message one way or the other. sfc just completed. When I went to shutdown I again received the dialog boxes. Here's what they said:
Dialog box 1
Rundll32.exe
Ending program - please wait. The dialog box had a progress bar in it that when complete showed Dialog box 2
Dialog box 2
This program is not responding. To return to Windows and check the status of the program, press cancel. If you choose to end the program immediately you will lose any unsaved data. To end the program now, click end now.
I clicked cancel and nothing happened. If I click end now the PC will shut down.
Art, I had the exact same problem. I think it is something from spyware that made it to your machine at one point. I used msconfig and looked under start up and found a rundll32.exe command pointing to an invalid path and executable. The file that it was trying to execute was no longer on my machine. So.. I unchecked that entry and rebooted. After I shut down again the message went away. However XP warned me that I should use "Normal Startup" in msconfig so complied and that box was checked again. So... I went to the registry, regedit, and searched for the executable that rundll32.exe was trying to run and removed that key. I first backed up that entry though under File -> export.
Perfect solution! I did just as you said, ran msconfig and found a rundll32.exe pointing to an invalid path. I unchecked it and the problem was gone. I already have a selective startup so I had no issue keeping it.
The only thing I didn't do was modify the registry. I have never played with regedit (ignorance leads to fear) so I was not sure how to do what you suggested. Just so you know I did find an entry for the executable with no path. How to back it out is a mystery to me.
I also ran spybot and ad-aware. Neither, noticed the invalid path and spybot is set to validate the registry.
Thanks again. The Dell forum has, once again, proven its worth.
I have this exact same problem when trying to shut down. After hitting shut down, a grey box comes up saying rundll32.exe program not responding and I have to click on End Now or my computer won't shut down.
I did what you said - went to msconfig and took it out on the start up but got the same warning as you and put it back in. I went to the registry, but have no idea what I'm doing so I didn't mess with it. It is still doing this, so is there any way you can take me step by step through the registry editing? I don't know how to do any of this - don't know what you mean by an executable path, etc.
I have Windows XP and this has been happening for about a month.
Well, the registry is nothing you want to play with if you're not even a little bit comfortable. I wouldn't want you to do something and your machine be hosed...
I would probably use Art M's method.
1) Find the invalid path (see below to find invalid path)
2) uncheck that in the startup tab
3) use Selective start up in the general tab.
At least this method can be reversed if it doesn't work.
To find an invalid path:
1) when you have msconfig -> startup tab open
2) look under the Command section and find all the entries containing RUNDLL32.EXE
3) After each of those entries, you'll see the path to a file
i.e. RUNDLL32.EXE "C:\Program Files\a directory\file.exe"
The "C:\Program Files\a directory\" is the path.
Use Explorer to browse out to each of these and see if that file exists. If so, then that one is probably most likely not your problem. If you find one that doesn't exist, I'd uncheck that one in your msconfig->startup.
Sorry, I pressed a button wrong and entered the last message before being finished. Anyway, the rundll32.exe commands in the msconfig box read as follows:
Then there is nothing in the Startup and Command, but
the same location just below these two above.
Anyway, I did a search for a file HKLM, and none came up. That location is actually listed for 20 of the 24 commands in this box. There are two others that have location HKCU and then the last one just says Common Startup in the location.
I have no idea what any of this means, but I will try to uncheck all three of these boxes listed above and reboot. I know I can always go back to the Normal Startup.
Thanks for your quick reply. I had tried what Art did - unchecking the Commands that had Rundll32.exe (there is more that one). I only did one at a time - I think there are two or three of them. This was before I got your reply. Anyway, I did what he did and Windows wanted me to go back to the Normal startup, so I did.
When I look at the path, I can't see all of it. There are "..."s in between, and I don't know how to read the whole path. This is what each of the Rundll32.exe commands read like in the config screen:
Thanks for your quick reply. I had tried what Art did - unchecking the Commands that had Rundll32.exe (there is more that one). I only did one at a time - I think there are two or three of them. This was before I got your reply. Anyway, I did what he did and Windows wanted me to go back to the Normal startup, so I did.
When I look at the path, I can't see all of it. There are "..."s in between, and I don't know how to read the whole path. This is what each of the Rundll32.exe commands read like in the config screen:
To see the entire path under command use your mouse to grab the bar in between Command and Location. You can then spread out the columns revealing the entire path. The HKLM stuff is for registry, it doesn't matter to you.
Since I'm the one who started this, I have some advice.
After you find the invalid path and deslect it from startup, Windows XP will remind you that startup is selective and not standard. That's ok because it is reaffirming what just did- made Windows XP startup selective. Keep the startup selective, ask not to be reminded again and you should be good to go.
Thanks to both you guys - Pat and Art! I went ahead and took your advice, Art, and I left it with the selective startup. I shut down twice now and did not have that annoying error message.
One question, however...did I just "bandaid" a problem with some corrupted file that is still on my computer? I am just curious why this happened in the first place, because it didn't used to. I just got this computer for Christmas, and it started doing this about a month or so ago. I have downloaded lots of programs, but I never messed with the registry or anything. I'm just wondering if the problem needs to be fixed on a deeper level, or if it is okay leaving it as it is with the selective start up option.
I really appreciate all the help! Whether or not it needs to be fixed further or not, I sure like having the normal shutdown again!
Did you bandaid the problem? Yes and no. Something got onto both our computers, probably spyware. I use adaware and spybot to remove spyware and my guess is neither program cleared the problem completely. So we were left with an invalid path. I fixed mine awhile ago and I have no problems.
There is no problem using selective startup. I already had selective startup before this problem because of a conflict with XP and my sound card.
Forget it and do NOT fool with registry unless you know what you are doing!
Denny Denham
2 Intern
•
18.8K Posts
0
February 2nd, 2004 20:00
If rundll32.exe is corrupt you can replace it by going to Start|Run, typing sfc /scannow and clicking OK. You may be prompted to insert your Windows XP reinstallation CD. This will replace any missing or corrupted system files.
Art M
10 Posts
0
February 2nd, 2004 21:00
Thanks, Denny.
I ran sfc /scannow but that did not help. I received no message one way or the other. sfc just completed. When I went to shutdown I again received the dialog boxes. Here's what they said:
Dialog box 1
Rundll32.exe
Ending program - please wait. The dialog box had a progress bar in it that when complete showed Dialog box 2
Dialog box 2
This program is not responding. To return to Windows and check the status of the program, press cancel. If you choose to end the program immediately you will lose any unsaved data. To end the program now, click end now.
I clicked cancel and nothing happened. If I click end now the PC will shut down.
Any other ideas?
Thanks,
Art
pjb127
3 Posts
0
February 7th, 2004 00:00
Art, I had the exact same problem. I think it is something from spyware that made it to your machine at one point. I used msconfig and looked under start up and found a rundll32.exe command pointing to an invalid path and executable. The file that it was trying to execute was no longer on my machine. So.. I unchecked that entry and rebooted. After I shut down again the message went away. However XP warned me that I should use "Normal Startup" in msconfig so complied and that box was checked again. So... I went to the registry, regedit, and searched for the executable that rundll32.exe was trying to run and removed that key. I first backed up that entry though under File -> export.
Good luck, I know it is a pain...
Pat
Art M
10 Posts
0
February 8th, 2004 02:00
Pat,
Perfect solution! I did just as you said, ran msconfig and found a rundll32.exe pointing to an invalid path. I unchecked it and the problem was gone. I already have a selective startup so I had no issue keeping it.
The only thing I didn't do was modify the registry. I have never played with regedit (ignorance leads to fear) so I was not sure how to do what you suggested. Just so you know I did find an entry for the executable with no path. How to back it out is a mystery to me.
I also ran spybot and ad-aware. Neither, noticed the invalid path and spybot is set to validate the registry.
Thanks again. The Dell forum has, once again, proven its worth.
Best Regards,
Art
SomeChick
5 Posts
0
March 10th, 2004 22:00
Pat,
I have this exact same problem when trying to shut down. After hitting shut down, a grey box comes up saying rundll32.exe program not responding and I have to click on End Now or my computer won't shut down.
I did what you said - went to msconfig and took it out on the start up but got the same warning as you and put it back in. I went to the registry, but have no idea what I'm doing so I didn't mess with it. It is still doing this, so is there any way you can take me step by step through the registry editing? I don't know how to do any of this - don't know what you mean by an executable path, etc.
I have Windows XP and this has been happening for about a month.
Thanks.
SomeChick
pjb127
3 Posts
0
March 11th, 2004 20:00
Hi,
Well, the registry is nothing you want to play with if you're not even a little bit comfortable. I wouldn't want you to do something and your machine be hosed...
I would probably use Art M's method.
1) Find the invalid path (see below to find invalid path)
2) uncheck that in the startup tab
3) use Selective start up in the general tab.
At least this method can be reversed if it doesn't work.
To find an invalid path:
1) when you have msconfig -> startup tab open
2) look under the Command section and find all the entries containing RUNDLL32.EXE
3) After each of those entries, you'll see the path to a file
i.e. RUNDLL32.EXE "C:\Program Files\a directory\file.exe"
The "C:\Program Files\a directory\" is the path.
Use Explorer to browse out to each of these and see if that file exists. If so, then that one is probably most likely not your problem. If you find one that doesn't exist, I'd uncheck that one in your msconfig->startup.
Then reboot and see what happens!
Good Luck,
Pat
SomeChick
5 Posts
0
March 11th, 2004 20:00
Pat
Sorry, I pressed a button wrong and entered the last message before being finished. Anyway, the rundll32.exe commands in the msconfig box read as follows:
Startup Item Command Location
NvCpl RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WIN... HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVe...
bridge rundl32.exe "C:\WIND... HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVe...
Then there is nothing in the Startup and Command, but
the same location just below these two above.
Anyway, I did a search for a file HKLM, and none came up. That location is actually listed for 20 of the 24 commands in this box. There are two others that have location HKCU and then the last one just says Common Startup in the location.
I have no idea what any of this means, but I will try to uncheck all three of these boxes listed above and reboot. I know I can always go back to the Normal Startup.
Any other ideas, as this may not work?
SomeChick
SomeChick
5 Posts
0
March 11th, 2004 20:00
Pat,
Thanks for your quick reply. I had tried what Art did - unchecking the Commands that had Rundll32.exe (there is more that one). I only did one at a time - I think there are two or three of them. This was before I got your reply. Anyway, I did what he did and Windows wanted me to go back to the Normal startup, so I did.
When I look at the path, I can't see all of it. There are "..."s in between, and I don't know how to read the whole path. This is what each of the Rundll32.exe commands read like in the config screen:
Startup Item Command Location
NvCpl
SomeChick
5 Posts
0
March 11th, 2004 20:00
Pat,
Thanks for your quick reply. I had tried what Art did - unchecking the Commands that had Rundll32.exe (there is more that one). I only did one at a time - I think there are two or three of them. This was before I got your reply. Anyway, I did what he did and Windows wanted me to go back to the Normal startup, so I did.
When I look at the path, I can't see all of it. There are "..."s in between, and I don't know how to read the whole path. This is what each of the Rundll32.exe commands read like in the config screen:
Startup Item Command Location
NvCpl
pjb127
3 Posts
0
March 11th, 2004 22:00
Hi,
To see the entire path under command use your mouse to grab the bar in between Command and Location. You can then spread out the columns revealing the entire path. The HKLM stuff is for registry, it doesn't matter to you.
Thanks,
Pat
Art M
10 Posts
0
March 11th, 2004 22:00
Hi,
Since I'm the one who started this, I have some advice.
After you find the invalid path and deslect it from startup, Windows XP will remind you that startup is selective and not standard. That's ok because it is reaffirming what just did- made Windows XP startup selective. Keep the startup selective, ask not to be reminded again and you should be good to go.
Art
SomeChick
5 Posts
0
March 12th, 2004 00:00
Thanks to both you guys - Pat and Art! I went ahead and took your advice, Art, and I left it with the selective startup. I shut down twice now and did not have that annoying error message.
One question, however...did I just "bandaid" a problem with some corrupted file that is still on my computer? I am just curious why this happened in the first place, because it didn't used to. I just got this computer for Christmas, and it started doing this about a month or so ago. I have downloaded lots of programs, but I never messed with the registry or anything. I'm just wondering if the problem needs to be fixed on a deeper level, or if it is okay leaving it as it is with the selective start up option.
I really appreciate all the help! Whether or not it needs to be fixed further or not, I sure like having the normal shutdown again!
SomeChick
Art M
10 Posts
0
March 12th, 2004 01:00
Did you bandaid the problem? Yes and no. Something got onto both our computers, probably spyware. I use adaware and spybot to remove spyware and my guess is neither program cleared the problem completely. So we were left with an invalid path. I fixed mine awhile ago and I have no problems.
There is no problem using selective startup. I already had selective startup before this problem because of a conflict with XP and my sound card.
Forget it and do NOT fool with registry unless you know what you are doing!
Art