shell32.dll??? My computer won't even boot!!

Question

PLease help! I turned on my computer, a DImension, and the scandisk deleted some booting components that now keep me from getting past the boot screens.  I've tried F8 and going back to earlier config. that worked, however, even in safe mode and going backwards, it seems that I'm forever lost shell32.dll which now prevents me from booting my conputer for use.  I'm losing my faith in Dell computers as I've encountered MANY problems with this computer and I've only used it for two years, lightly.   If anyone has any suggestions, I'm certainly willing to try, but for now, I'm ready to give up and take a ball bat to this stupid computer.   Thanks!

sparkenh · Answer

If you can start to Safe mode, then click Start > Run and type in SFC /SCANNOW

If your PC has Dell System Restore feature, consider restoring your system to original factory configuration:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&l=en&s=gen&dn=1090151

or,

Do Repair Install:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

or,

Do Clean Install:

http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm#Install

laprice02 · Answer

Even in safe mode, the error message states that shell32.dll is missing and to contact system administrator.  I don't even get past the windows boot screen.  I'm mooching off of my roommate's computer now, since mine will only give me the error message and then a prompt to restart. Over and over again.

sparkenh · Answer

Boot from XP CD and go to Recovery Console, instructions here

At the command prompt, type CHKDSK /F , press Enter.

Then type

expand D:\i386\shell32.dl_ C:\windows\system32\shell32.dll

Press Enter.

Note the space between .dl_ and C:, and replace the D: with the actual drive letter of your CD drive.

Remove the CD and reboot.

Windows General

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