Question

Fix "GetModuleHandleExW" error on a W2K SP4 Machine

Asked by: mkieczka

Hello,

this is the first time I come across a problem I can't find on EE. Some Google results will show that some users had same problem with same OS version, but no one seems to have a fix or workaround.

So far all I know is that this problem/error is because some piece of software (made for Windows XP and above) messed up my Windows 2000 Registry entries. I believe it was a CCleaner Update (latest: 2.34)

Error message states :

"The procedure entry point GetModuleHandleExW could not be located in the dynamic link library KERNEL32.dll"

As far as I read, Windows 2000 does not use this entry or procedure. Some software must have add this entry, which is causing a error message to  pop up 5 times every time an application is called to load. (Apps I never had problems before) like Adobe Reader 7...even on system startup (services and startup-programms).

I already tested my PC for Malware, Spyware and Viruses. (MalbitWare and NOD32 Smart Security). Non found.

I have had no HW changes (or driver updates). I am running W2K Sp4 (German), Office 2003, Nod 32, and many more small apps which were there before this error popped up.  

I already uninstalled CCleaner. I have no Reg Backup (I know, I know, plz dont mention it...I learned my lesson).  I am afraid using any free or commercial Registry Cleaner or "fixer" and make things worse.

Any suggestions? (I am not considering installing W2K from scratch)

Thanks !!

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Asked On
2009-10-03 at 19:24:52ID24783139
Tags

Windows 2000

,

Reg

,

Registry

,

fix

,

kernel

,

dll

Topics

Windows 2000 Operating System

,

Windows Registry Cleaners

,

System Diagnostic Software

,

Microsoft Operating Systems

Participating Experts
1
Points
500
Comments
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Answers

 

by: mkieczkaPosted on 2009-10-10 at 08:07:56ID: 25542551

Hello quomodo,

I really appreciate your assistance.

Best regards,

Mauricio

 

by: coral47Posted on 2009-10-13 at 23:24:05ID: 25567743

Does it error in Safe Mode?

If yes, backup anything you don't want to lose.
Then if possible, clone the drive, and use the clone to experiment on.

Since you don't want to run a reg cleaner or fixer, and don't want to reinstall fresh, I would start with What's Running
http://www.whatsrunning.net/whatsrunning/main.aspx
And go to the Startup tab, and uncheck anything that looks like it doesn't belong there.
If no joy, uncheck everything except what you have to have running.

Can you see a process bump up in usage when the error popsup?

Maybe a dirty install is needed.

 

by: mkieczkaPosted on 2009-10-14 at 15:40:48ID: 25575944

Hello coral47,

thank you for your suggestion. I haven´t thought about cloning and testing on the clone (ever before)... and it's actually a very good idea. Nevertheless, if I should  feel I'm getting nowhere after testing with the clone installation, then I would be considering doing a fresh install (after all). When I wrote the post I was afraid many users would tell me to format and start from scratch (and experts wouldn't even consider getting involved). A kernel.dll error isn't usually easy to fix and many would do a reinstall without considering other alternatives.

Back to your suggestion. After I get into the clone installation I could use a Reg.Fixer (since there would be no harm to the original data). Is there any special RegFixer you would recommend ? Do you think that using another Windows 2K Kernel.dll (same HW, same OS, different SW) would do the job too?

In the meantime I will clone the drive and check 'whatsrunning'.

Best regards,

mkieczka

PD: I really don't know what a dirty install is =(

 

by: coral47Posted on 2009-10-14 at 19:18:27ID: 25576754

Been a few years since I ran a Reg fixer, so I really don't know the good from the bad anymore. I just use Ccleaner (v2.05.555) every couple of months, now.

You can try running SFC, and see if it picks up anything.

A dirty install is just booting to the Winodws CD, but DO NOT let it Format the drive, and install it to the existing folder (also called an "over the top" install.
This usually keeps your programs and settings, but you will have to redo any Window SPs, patches, Updates, that are not on the cd.

This fixes a lot of problems that nothing else does, without having to do a Clean install and adding back all the programs also.
If that doesn't work, then a clean install is probably the only fix.

 

by: mkieczkaPosted on 2009-10-16 at 17:03:34ID: 25594208

Hello coral47,

I too haven't been using any other Reg Cleaner other than CCleaner for a year or more. I really like that app and it turns out to be very helpful many times...except for the last time, when I updated CCleaner to version 2.2.3 and my problems started. I believe it has something to do with the last updated version...probably a version meant to be (only) for WXP systems. Uninstalling the application didn't fix the error ...obviously too late, it already changed the registry on its registry cleaning function. I thought I had made a backup (I usually do one before I do any changes) but I couldn't find it anymore.

The info on what a dirty install is, is very helpful I will do this first thing on Tuesday and get back to you.

(I still had same problems on Safe-Mode Boot and even after disabling many startup programs)

Best regards,

Mkieczka

 

by: coral47Posted on 2009-10-16 at 19:41:32ID: 25594574

In case you need it, here is the link to the Rollup 1 for W2K sp4. Makes updating an install a little easier when it's run from the hard drive.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=B54730CF-8850-4531-B52B-BF28B324C662&displaylang=en

 

by: mkieczkaPosted on 2009-10-20 at 13:12:08ID: 31636827

thank you for directing me to the right path!

 

by: coral47Posted on 2009-10-20 at 18:08:10ID: 25620051

Thank you much.   : )

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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