The range of Windows operating systems uses a large number of libraries that dynamically connect, implement any functions and perform tasks for the needs of the OS. And this happens using the runDll32.exe utility. This article will tell you what it is.
Rundll32.exe - what is it and how does it work
The utility performs one simple task - it loads the necessary functions from various dll libraries and launches them. Starting from version 95 and according to Millenium, this functionality was implemented using two varieties. These were runDll.exe and runDll32.exe. Further to the XP version, only the 32-bit version was used. The utility is included in both Vista and later. However, its use is minimized and not recommended. It is saved only for compatibility with older versions of programs that realize the potential of runDll32.exe.
But how then does Microsoft realize the use of library functions if it gradually moves away from this utility? Everything is very simple, its capabilities are transferred to other software packages. Indeed, you can meet the runDll32.exe process in the task manager less and less.
File location
The file is always located in the folder with the operating system. Namely, in the System32 directory. For 64-bit versions, there is also an additional SysWOW64 folder, which is located on Windows.
If runDll32.exe somehow turned out to be not in the listed folders, then this is a sure sign that something is wrong with the system. Therefore, it is urgent to check it with anti-virus programs and for the integrity of important files, for example, using the SFC utility.
How does the utility work?
Since the program itself does not contain any libraries, it just launches the functions necessary for the operation of a particular application. In particular, the standard version of LoadLibrary () is called. As the name suggests, it loads the specified library. Then the control passes to another function - GetProcAddress (). It already specifically calls the necessary section of code that is important for the program to run. Next, the called function receives the necessary input parameters. Then there is an exit as soon as it worked, and unloading the library from memory.
In other words, this implementation can be expressed as follows: some application was installed in the system. It has its own components that perform special functionality, and they are presented in the form of libraries. In order for the program to be able to use its own functionality, although it is possible to use one of the standard system ones, runDll32.exe must be launched. That is, in fact, it is just a wrapper, a kind of clutch for launching libraries. Unfortunately, this functionality is very successfully used by various malicious programs.
Common problems and errors
Very often, as a result of failures, errors in this utility can occur. There are small differences, but basically they look like this:
- An error has occurred.
- File system32 / runDll32.exe not found.
- Error starting program.
- Invalid application path.
The text of the error message may be different, but the message is always clear - there was some kind of failure in runDll32.exe. How to solve the problem with the utility? Below are some simple methods that can help solve the problem.
Several ways to fix errors
Firstly, you can verify the reality of the file - it must be located at Windows / System32 / rundll32.exe. Its size averages 44 Kb. If runDll32.exe was located in a different folder or has a weight different from the original, its integrity may be violated due to an error or virus penetration. You can tinker and try to replace it manually by copying it from the donor operating system. However, if the error occurred as a result of the virus, then many related files can be infected and damaged.
Registry Cleanup. Applications removed from the operating system may leave traces. And the place for them is the registry. It is necessary to remove from it the remaining branches of old and remote programs. This can be done using special verification tools like Ccleaner.
The regular Windows functionality has good programs and utilities that can check file integrity and restore if necessary. For example, a good function "Disk Cleanup". You can start it from the command line with the cleanmgr command or by going to the "Start" menu, then to "Standard" and "Service". Also a good utility is SFC, which works only from the console.
The runDll32.exe error very often occurs when installing new applications or games on the computer. Therefore, it is worth trying to update the driver or DirectX.
It is very useful to use the built-in System Restore function. In the event of any problems that are not necessarily related to runDll32.exe, you can quickly roll back to a working system.
For new applications and games to work, you need fresh system components and functions. Therefore, a good way to keep the OS clean is to constantly install fresh updates. To do this, the “automatically receive updates” function must be enabled.
Following these simple tips and tricks will help you not only to cope with the runDll32.exe problem, but also with most of the others. In the most difficult case, you will have to reinstall the Windows system completely.
Conclusion
The article described in detail about runDll32.exe, what it is, where the utility is located and how it works. Several methods for eliminating the most common errors associated with its calls were indicated.
To avoid problems with runDll32.exe, you just need to carefully pay attention to your operating system and monitor it, periodically conduct various checks of file integrity and the presence of viruses. Installing updates and safe browsing the Internet will avoid most of the possible errors associated with the computer.