explorer caused error in shell32.dll

hey all! Looking for some quick help!

Windows ME
boots fine except in windows you start to get the error message 'explorer has caused an error in shell32.dll". When you click close, explorer reloads a couple of tray icons, then the error pops up again...etc,etc.

All the investigating I've done points towards a messed up IE6 install/uninstall (users unsure). I've tried to reinstall IE using progman shell...but keeps failing. I was able to get 5.5 back in (at least so that it is listed in add remove programs), and I've just tried updating to 6 again. IE 6 went in ok, but the error is still there.

I've extracted shell32.dll - no good
I've reinstalled winme overtop of itself - no good

Any suggestions?

The shell32.dll errors are usually invalid page faults - is that the exact error message?

Have you checked for virus?

I hate WinME, so I don't have much experience with it...however, when I get this error in 98SE I usually reinstall explorer. You can get the administration version from someone with a broadband connection and a cd burner, which I prefer to use vice the internet download method. This has solved the problem in 99% of my cases. The other 1% I had to do a clean install.

here is the exact error message:

Explorer has caused an error in SHELL32.DLL
Explorer will now close

If you continue to experience problems,
try restarting your computer

:flame:

re-install explorer?...did the winme reinstall not somewhat do that?

no viruses

Did the restore from HP restore disks - without the format
everything is somewhat working. Some programs aren't working, and they aren't installing correctly, but oh well.

Let me know if there is a working fix. All the IE fixes didn't do too much. This had to be a registry thing or something.

Can anyone recommend a good registry repairing tool (other than editors and the one built into windows.)

Thanks!

P.S - Is there still a SFC (system file checker) in WinME?

Sounds like more of a system wide fault than just an IE fault..I think the explorer referred to was windows explorer, not internet explorer, as is borne out by the problems you are having installing programs, etc. Supposedly ME doesn't have a system file checker because the system files are protected and can't be re-written (yeah..right) and I don't have a ME machine here to check right now. You can try running sfc from a command prompt..just go to start/run and type command..click ok..and when the command box comes up, type in sfc /scannow rumor has it that some win me installs allowed this. Is there a functioning antivirus on this machine?

Actually, I did mean internet explorer...you get this error when you are surfing the web, right? If you can't download it on your own, get a friend to d/l the administration package for internet explorer. I think it's about 140MB.........btw...what was the last program you installed before you remember this happening???

Edit: Even if it's not an error in web surfing, re-installing IE6 with the admin kit should help - iexplore and explorer are closely tied together. Also try telling iexplore to open windows in separate processes, under the advanced options tab...good for stability, bad for performance(at least on slow comps)

actually he said"boots fine, except in windows"

geo: ya, i ment explorer. Thanks for all the input dudes.

Like I said - I did a partial system restore and 'explorer' seems to be working OK again...except for all the unregistered programs that were left behind.

since the problem was in explorer, I was troubleshooting using 'progman.exe'. A lot of searching the internet pointed to this problem being the result of uninstalling IE6 - and I still think this is true. I do realize that IE and windows explorer are very closely tied - and boy in my line of work - that sucks! (internet service tech for a cable co.)

If anyone narrows in on the shell32.dll syndrome, just let me know.

This computer was in an accounting office, on a peer to peer network with no means for backups. A few months ago I was pushing them to set up a file server, but they felt that they knew were all the files were on each of their 6 computers. Well - after the week of work they lost cause of this one machine being down - they are considering my proposal for a centralized file server.

Good luck..hey, maybe if they go to a file server you can talk them in to w2k:rolleyes: :cool: :)

As much as i would like to go 'crazy' with a kick-*** server, i'm not sure they'll go with a $1500 Adv server 5 user licence...is it possible to get just a one user licence, since they wouldn't be needing it for terminal services or anything.
I was thinking of keeping cost down by going with win2k pro or xp pro (minus bells and wistles)

I am learning Linux as well - I wish my sh** was together with that - I'd use linux. Just the security and some samba configs are still very new to me.

If all they are looking for is a file server, either one of those will work well..I use w2k pro here in a number of small office configs..one advantage is that you don't have to purchase enterprise editions of peripheral software, i.e. antivirus, etc. the standard versions work well.

Man...I want my own network to play with...I have my own domain and servers at home, but my job doesn't exactly let me directly play with our 'MAN' cable network.

I think win2k pro would do the trick with min fuss. I'd like to setup a hardware mirror and a tape drive...we'll see how much they will want to spend.

Hey, is it possible to setup the pro machine as an application server too? Any easy way of doing this?

Now there I think you are getting into a whole new can of worms..depends on a lot of factors, including the applications you want to use, and the configuration of the server hardware and the number of people likely to use a particular application at one time. I think if the desktops are functional, i would stick with a file server and save everything to it..install the apps on the desktops

yes i know....it was just a 'what if'. It would be nice for some of their dos apps. It's a small workgroup, and some things would be much easier this way....

Man...and I'm a certified novell admin...some zenworks would be fun right about now...lol