Sorry to ask what's in all likelihood a very stupid question, but I'm in trouble with opening Add or Remove Programs.  In other words, I can't open it.  I'm getting a "DLL error" (I'll call it) each time I try.  Same error every time.



My son was attempting to delete Train Sim recently, and he says one particular "locomotive" program "took over" and wouldn't allow him to continue.  He said he went into Windows Explorer, found the file and simply deleted it.



That's as close as I can come to what's caused this problem.  Here's the error.  It's in two lines, but I'll add quotation marks exactly as they display:



An exception has occurred while trying to run "C:\WINDOWS\system32\shell32.dll,Control_RunDL  L

"C:\WINDOWS\system32\appwiz.cpl",Add or Remove Programs"



That's the content of the error message.



I do still see elements of Train Sim on the system and was going to see about removing the rest of them when I found this problem.



I'm guessing a file's been removed, preventing access to the Add or Remove program, but I know very little about these things.



Any help MUCH appreciated!!  Thanks in advance!

BUMP----please help me with the below.  THANKS!!!!




	
Quote:
	

	

		

			
				Originally posted by OldnInTheWoods 

Sorry to ask what's in all likelihood a very stupid question, but I'm in trouble with opening Add or Remove Programs.  In other words, I can't open it.  I'm getting a "DLL error" (I'll call it) each time I try.  Same error every time.



My son was attempting to delete Train Sim recently, and he says one particular "locomotive" program "took over" and wouldn't allow him to continue.  He said he went into Windows Explorer, found the file and simply deleted it.



That's as close as I can come to what's caused this problem.  Here's the error.  It's in two lines, but I'll add quotation marks exactly as they display:



An exception has occurred while trying to run "C:\WINDOWS\system32\shell32.dll,Control_RunDL  L

"C:\WINDOWS\system32\appwiz.cpl",Add or Remove Programs"



That's the content of the error message.



I do still see elements of Train Sim on the system and was going to see about removing the rest of them when I found this problem.



I'm guessing a file's been removed, preventing access to the Add or Remove program, but I know very little about these things.



Any help MUCH appreciated!!  Thanks in advance! 
			
		
	
	

OldnInTheWoods wrote:



> BUMP----please help me with the below.  THANKS!!!!

>

> OldnInTheWoods wrote:

> 

>

>

>

>

> --

> OldnInTheWoods

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Posted via http://www.mcse.ms

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> View this thread: http://www.mcse.ms/message2228059.html

>



Try this:  From Start | Run type in Regsvr32 Shell32.dll

Click ok.  See if it works.  If not try a reboot and see.



If that doesn't work try doing Start | Run | sfc /scannow.  Click Ok.

Have the XP OS installation CD handy and insert it when asked.



Also have you done a thorough scan for malware using a combination of

programs in safe mode?



--

Rock

MS MVP  Windows - Shell/User

Rock, thank you much for your reply!!



No, I haven't done any malware search, period.  Are you referring to a "Spybot" and "Adaware" search?



I'm not totally sure I understand your instructions, but I'll try and see what I get.  I'll advise.



Thanks again!

John






	
Quote:
	

	

		

			
				Originally posted by Rock 

OldnInTheWoods wrote:



> BUMP----please help me with the below.  THANKS!!!!

>

> OldnInTheWoods wrote:

> 

>

>

>

>

> --

> OldnInTheWoods

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Posted via http://www.mcse.ms

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> View this thread: http://www.mcse.ms/message2228059.html

>



Try this:  From Start | Run type in Regsvr32 Shell32.dll

Click ok.  See if it works.  If not try a reboot and see.



If that doesn't work try doing Start | Run | sfc /scannow.  Click Ok.

Have the XP OS installation CD handy and insert it when asked.



Also have you done a thorough scan for malware using a combination of

programs in safe mode?



--

Rock

MS MVP  Windows - Shell/User 
			
		
	
	

OldnInTheWoods wrote:



> Rock, thank you much for your reply!!

>

> No, I haven't done any malware search, period.  Are you referring to a

> "Spybot" and "Adaware" search?

>

> I'm not totally sure I understand your instructions, but I'll try and

> see what I get.  I'll advise.

>

> Thanks again!

> John

>

>

> Rock wrote:

> 

>

>

>

>

> --

> OldnInTheWoods

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Posted via http://www.mcse.ms

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> View this thread: http://www.mcse.ms/message2228059.html

>



Here are some links for how to check for malware:



THE PARASITE FIGHT

Finding, Removing & Protecting Yourself From Scumware

http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm



Richard Harper’s Guide to Cleaning Pests

http://rgharper.mvps.org/cleanit.htm



http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware



--

Rock

MS MVP  Windows - Shell/User