application has failed to strt because WININET.dll was not found

Question

When I turn my computer on, I get the DELL Logo, then the Windows XP log on logo.  I then get the Windows screen which asks for USER Type your password.  When I type my password in and click green 'go' arrow, I get an error code window which is titled:  'Explorer.EXE - Unable To Locate Component'  with a message box contining a red ball with a white 'X' in the left hand corner.  The message states:  'This application has failed to startbedcause WININET.dll was not found.  Re-installing the application may fix this problem.'  If I click the 'OK' button, I get the 'Blue Screen Of Death'.   Is this a Virus, how do I fix it.  I can not go on the net with this computer to download anything so I will have to load any 'fix' through the D drive.  I am new to computers and need step by step instructions.  Thank you very much.

sparkenh · Answer

This solution is from  another thread of this forum.   1. Get rid of virus and spyware.   2. Extract wininet.dll file from XP CD and cut & paste it to C:\Windows\system32 folder.   3. Then Start, Run, type explorer.

RBB53 · Answer

Thank you for the post, however I was unable to use the info.  I was able to type in my USER password and hit Ct/Alt/Del simultaniously which took me to the Task Manager.  I opened New Task and typed in 'explorer.exe' and when I clicked OK, I got the same ERROR Message.  I am still stuck with my WININET.dll ERROR Message.   Any more ideas??  I'm getting desperate.   Thanks, Barry

sparkenh · Answer

Can you start in  Safe Mode? If so, then do steps 1, 2, and 3 from there. Message Edited by sparkenh on 03-22-2006 05:31 PM

RBB53 · Answer

Sorry, no it will not start in Safe Mode. It will also, not start in "Last Known Good Configuration".

I tried to do a Window's re-load and I can get as far as the Set-Up Screen, but when it asks me to hit ENTER to Continue or R to Repair, nothing happens with either choice. As they say, "It's getting curiouser and curiouser all the time."

sparkenh · Answer

Can't you start in Safe Mode with Command Prompt either?

If not, a clean reinstall of XP will solve your problem. Are there important files/data you need to salvage?

If your PC was shipped on or after 7/15/2004, your PC can be restored to "as shipped" condition.

Here's good reference for installing/reinstalling XP:
http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm#Install

RBB53 · Answer

Sparkenh,

I tried to do a fresh Windows load and got as far as the Set Up page. It then asked me if I want to set up Windows click [ENTER] or repair a previous installation click or exit to do nothing.

At this point, everthing is frozen. Pressing [ENTER] does nothing, prssing does nothing and I can not Escpape. Everthing is frozen and the only thing I can do is a hard shut down with the PC power button.

sparkenh · Answer

Clean the CD and retry.

May we know the model of your computer and when you obtained it from Dell? Does it have a floppy drive?

Run Dell Diagnostic Utility:

Turn on the computer, When the Dell logo appears, press F12 immediately.
When the boot device list appears, highlight Diagnostics and press Enter.

If the diagnostic utility from your hard drive doesn't run, use the Dell driver/utility CD. Turn on the computer, When the Dell logo appears, press F12 immediately. Insert the CD and then choose boot from the CD.

Message Edited by sparkenh on 03-23-2006 08:15 AM

RBB53 · Answer

Hi Sparkenh,   Thanks again for your reply.  I know this is getting pretty tedious.  I have a Dell Dimension 2400, running a 2.4 Ghz Intel Celeron.  It origionally came with 512 Meg of RAM wich I later upgrade to 2 G.  This Computer was purchased new by me approximately 1 year ago.  I do not have the original Disks for the comuter.  Since this problem occured, I took out both of the 1 Gig memory sticks and put them each back in the computer seperately to see if there was a problem with the memory cards.  I also re-inserted the original 512 Meg memory stick to be certain both of the 1 Gig sticks were not bad.  There was no chang witha any of the configurations.   Per your suggestion, I started the PC and pressed F12 and got to the Boot Device Menu.  It offers 6 choices:  1) Normal, 2) Hard-Disk Drive C:, 3) IDE CD-ROM Device, 4) System Setup, 5) IDE Drive Diagnostics, 6) Boot to Utility Partition.   I Highlighted choice #5 IDE Drive Diagnostics and pressed [ENTER].  On the screen appeared:   Primary IDE    Drive 0:  St340013A - Pass    Drive 1:  No IDE device Secondary IDE    Drive 0:  Sony DVD-Rom DDU1613 - Diagnostics not supported    Drive 1:  No IDE device Test complete,  Press to reboot   I pressed , got the Dell Log and then the Windows XP Logo.  Then I got the USER Sign In Screen.  I entered my USER Password and pressed and was immediately presented with the BLUE SCREEN and the same ERROR Box which is titled:  'Explorer.EXE - Unable to Locate Component' and has the message inside the box which states:  'This application has failed to strt because WININET.dll was not found.  Re-installing the application may fix this problem.'   This is the same error code I get no matter what I have tried.  I am still stumped.   As always, any and all help will be greatly appreciated.  I am willing to try anything.   Thanks again, Barry

RBB53 · Answer

Sparkenh,

I forgot to say in the previouse post, I do not have a floppy drive for this computer. I just purchased and original Dell Exterior Floppy Drive on eBay and am awaiting delivery. the PC currently has a CD-RW and a seperate DVD R - CD RW.

Thanks again,

Barry

sparkenh · Answer

Barry,What CD did you use when you did 'Windows re-load' if you don't have OEM CD from Dell?If you want, you can restore your system to 'as shipped' or factory condition using Dell PC Restore Utility. The instructions can be found here: <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> Try contacting Dell Customer Service and request for Reinstallation CD. There is a 'Contact Us' link at the bottom of this page. I don't think your problem is related to memory module. It appears that wininet.dll is damaged and needs to be replaced. Virus is also a suspect. Message Edited by sparkenh on 03-23-2006 04:03 PM

Windows General

application has failed to strt because WININET.dll was not found

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