Help with error at startup: "Run a dll as an app error"

Try running System Restore to put your computer back to a previous date. Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore.

Greetings.  I have also encountered this error, and it seems to be quite a random one.  Over the weekend my computer has encountered some problems when browsing the internet - processing power would jump to 100% just from normal browsing.  I determined the cause of the problem to be Norton Internet Security 2002, which I promptly uninstalled and reinstalled.  My computer was working fine long into the night last night.

After I came back from work, I turned on my computer and after a minute or two I received that same error, a dialog box exclaiming "Run a DLL as an App".  My computer then completely froze up.  I hard rebooted (power off/power on) at least 5 times to no avail.  I called up Dell tech support and after about 15 minutes doing some things (system restore, disabling msconfig items) the problem still was not fixed.  The support person is going to call me tomorrow with more information.

For now, the computer works in safe mode (I have networking support on so I can use the internet.).  To get into safe mode, turn off the computer and turn it on again.  Immediately after turning the computer on, press F8 repeatedly until a screen comes up.  Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking Support (or just Safe Mode if you don't need internet access) and let Windows boot.  It's a temporary fix, and I hope you have good luck.

If you end up solving your problem, please email me at mattc129@optonline.net with a solution.

Thank you.

One of the commonest causes of that symptom is spyware/malware. Download, install, update and run Ad-Aware and Spybot as described in the second link listed below. If you continue to experience problems, the next step is to download HijackThis, install it as described in the second link below, and submit a log to the good folks in the Virus Information and Removal board for review. Be sure to post the log in a new message, and describe the problem you're experiencing.

Jim