I can't remember when it started, but I've tried virtually everything I know to fix it.

Every time I boot my PC and login, I'll get a rundll32.exe error, with the message;

The instruction at "0x7c9100c8" referenced memory at "0x00fd0010". The memory could not be "read".

I'll get that error message twice at the login, then it stops until I run a fullscreen program, like World of Warcraft.

I've updated my graphics drivers, tried a windows recovery, (commands fixboot, fixmbr, and chkdsk /r), and I just tried copying rundll32.exe from C:/WINDOWS/ServicePackFiles/1386 to C:/WINDOWS/system32

Any ideas?

EDIT: Currently running a virus scan to determine that, too.

Try getting the copy from your XP CD:

What has probably happened is that the virus corrupted your RUNDLL32.EXE. You will have to put a clean file back in. These are on the XP CD. Stick the CD in. Open a CMD box from START/PROGRAMS/ACCESSORIES/COMMAND PROMPT
type in the following:-

expand <CD-ROM:>\i386\rundll32.ex_ %Systemroot%\rundll32.exe

where the <CD-ROM:> is your CD-ROM drive letter, like D: or E: (dont type in the <>)

That should put it back.

"Can't open input file: d:\i386\rundll32.exe"

From the cmd try this

expand C:\i386\rundll32.ex_ %windir%\system32\rundll32.exe

Same message.

Click start, select search then under All or part of file name: enter

rundll32.exe


then under advanced options ensure "search system folders" "search hidden files and folders" and "search subfolders" are selected.

click on the search button to scan your system for rundll32.exe.

several may be found, on the right-hand panel right mouse click and select view then details. This will display items such as file size.

For files with the exact name rundll32.exe (ignore prefetch etc) right mouse click on each and select properties then select the version tab. Does it say Microsoft Corporation against Company?

How many rundll32.exe files does it find and what size is reported in the search results window?

http://img24.imageshack.us/my.php?image=29923060.jpg

There's all the sizes/files that showed up, etc, with the beautiful error dialogue box that won't leave me alone.

All 3 files say Microsoft Corporation under version.

Your rundll32.exe looks fine. On further review this does not appear to be the issue.

Run dll is an exe that runs dlls so it is some other dll that is causing your problem.

What anti virus are you using? Just as a test disable it and see if the error persists.

You can also try the following:

Go to Start Run... (Start Search in Vista) & type in:
msconfig
Click OK (hit Enter in Vista).
Click on the Startup tab:
Click: "Disable all"
Click on the Services tab:
Put checkmark in "Hide all Microsoft services"
Then click: "Disable all"
Click OK.
Restart computer in Normal Mode.
You will be told you are in diagnostic mode. Click: "Don't show me this again"

See if the issue persists.

There is also this little app you could try:

p-nand-q.com : Computer : download : rundll32

To use it go to your rundll32 and rename it to rundll32_old and then install the above download. After testing you can go back and rename your rundll32_old back to rundll32. The one you want is rundll32 C:\WINDOWS\system32 - 33KB - Application

There is also a chance this is a virus issue so at any point if you choose to please start a new thread in the Security section:

HijackThis
--------------------------------------------------
Please read THIS and after completing the steps outlined post a HijackThis log over in that section along with a brief description of your problem.
Do not post HijackThis logs in this section please.

..................................
The security / spyware section of D-A-L works a little differently to the rest of the site. We currently only allow Head Security staff to reply to others threads to ensure a high level of support and quality is maintained with the daily issues which require a certain level of knowledge in this area.

It looks to me that you installed SP 3 is that correct? Did you recently install SP3? If you did recently install SP 3 or then you started having your problem then the install might have corrupted your system. If you haven't ever installed SP 3 then something has modified your rundll32.dll file. To determine if Sp 3 has been installed right click on my computer from either the start menu or desktop and select properties. From there you should be able to see what service pack you have. If you had installed SP 3 you can try uninstalling it. I would only do so if you computer runs well in safe mode which it might.

jephree if he does have SP 3 installed might copying system files from a sp 2 disk mess things up further?

Originally Posted by townsbg

jephree if he does have SP 3 installed might copying system files from a sp 2 disk mess things up further?

The image does show the Rundll to be SP3 as to its' date so that is probably why the CD will not expand into the OS. Good point.

As it failed it was not a harmful attempt.

I think the issue lies in another piece of software and hopefully the above steps might lead to the suspect.