Every time I boot up my computer, I get an "illegal operation" notice before my desk top loads completely. I've clicked on details and it always lists the same file...kernel32.dll. After I click "OK" on this notice, my usual desktop loading stops. I can't use my internet explorer or most of the other programs on my desktop and nothing loads on my task bar as usual. I can use some of the programs if I right click on them and then click "open" on the cascade menu that pops up for that particular program. I have to click on "start" and go to "favorites" to be able to get online. I've not had any real problems with the internet, I can seem to use that feature as usual. I can't print anything from Word or Excel, get the same message. The "illegal operation" messages have also included other files, such as...kernel16.dll, etc. I've been told that I'd have to complete erase my hard drive and reload my Windows, but I'd love to find another alternative...if there is one. This all started a couple of months ago, I think it's just something small, but enough to be frustrating. Can anyone advise?

Hello, and Welcome to techhelpforum.

You didn't mention which O/S you're running; 95, 98, ME.

You can try running the System File Checker (SFC). You'll need your 9x CD.
Click Start, Run, type in sfc and hit enter.

You should read this prior to running SFC:SFC Cautions


If the above doesn't resolve the issue, you could try an "over_the_top" install of the O/S. Please state which O/S you're running.

I'm sorry, It's a 98 O/S. Thanks so much for your quick reply. I'll try that tonight when I get home.

If SFC doesn't resolve the issue;

Win 98 OVER_THE_TOP_INSTALL

You'd start the install the same way as a fresh/clean install. Boot the machine with a Win98SE Boot Disk* choosing "Boot with CDROM Support". With your 98 CD in the drive, type setup at the A:\> prompt.

The installation will check for and find your existing registry and utilize it for the install. When it gets to the point of where to install, it will come up with C:\WINDOWS.000. Change this back to C:\WINDOWS.

This type of installation leaves your installed programs and your personal settings and files intact. Damaged or corrupted system files will be replaced with the original O/S files. You will probably have to reinstall any updates for the O/S though.


*The above bootdisk image file is a self extracting file and has to be executed (run) from a running Windows machine in order to create the actual startup diskette on one of your floppy disks. (This image file produces the same bootdisk which 98SE creates.) This downloaded image file will format the floppy disk to ensure its integrity, write the files to the disk, then verify the file write, so it'll take a minute or three to create the bootdisk.

Ensure the floppy drive is set as the first boot device in the bios.

NOTE: When you boot a machine with this boot floppy, it creates a RAMDRIVE in system memory to contain DOS system tools/drivers. Thus it will move your "normal" CDROM device/drive letter "up" one level. (If your CDROM is normally E: it will be F: when booting with this bootdisk.)

The path to the found CDROM will be set with the bootfiles, so entering (example) A:\>f:\setup is the same as entering A:\>setup at the A:\> prompt. There is no need to include the cdrom drive letter. The path dictates the instruction (command line input) will look at the CDROM for Setup before it looks elsewhere. The CDROM device letter will be assigned near the end of the floppy boot process, right after MSCDEX is loaded.