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kernel32.dll problem- SFC doesn't help

2579 Views 2 Replies 2 Participants Last post by  V0lt
Hello everyone-

I am getting the error message "Could not load the DLL library C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\kernel32.dll. An attempt was made to load a program with an incorrect format". I got this error before when I was using AIM (stand-alone), and now I am getting it during the install of ZoneAlarm. Restoring Kernel32.dll from the windows system disk using System File Checker does not work. Any ideas to why this is happening and how to fix it?

Thanks for your reply.
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hello Fox.
I think this might be happening because this dll is not being loaded into memory correctly(duh merlin, thats what the message said) . Kernel32.dll needs to be loaded into space in the memory thats protected so other programs cannot overtake it. The other part of the message is saying "an attempt was made to load a program with an incorrect format." It might be that what you're installing is trying to use this protected part of the memory. Or, since kernel32.dll is responsible for managing memory, it might not be doing it the right way. Dll might not be damaged itself but what its trying to do might be giving you trouble. Check if you're missing msinfo32.exe, check disk space, missing or corrupt temp folders and see if there is any dll. files saved to the desktop. I know you should also check the registry but I cant dont know where to go so when I find out I will update...or someone else can point you in the right direction.


HTH
Thanks a lot merlin,

So far I've found that msinfo32.exe is still intact and functional. There are (or were, I should say) dynamic link library files on my desktop from my previous catastrophe, so I deleted them. I will update you on my next restart as to whether or not that fixed the problem.

Thanks for your reply, I will keep you posted on how things turn out.
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