rundll32.exe

check if rundll32.exe is present under system32 folder, if its not, extract from the winxp cd or try running sfc /scannow from start>run.

if its already there, then scan your system for malware and viruses and report back the results.

It's probably the CPL file that cannot be found.
Check if SYSDM.CPL is in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32. If not, you can use the procedure SheharyaarSaahil described; extract from the cd or run sfc /scannow

Many thanks for your help so far, however, the files you mention exist in system32. Many other Icons display the same message. When trying to install AV software after a USB flash copy of the program I get "select a program from the list" of couse no program exists to open the AV software. In the meantime I will look for an online scanner. Your continued assistance will be appreciated.

Terry

Your exe file association is probably broken. You can download the fix from this page: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

Please let me know if the problem persists.

copy it from another computer, then save the dll to system32.

Run regsvr32 [rundll32] from the programs-----run. See how it goes !! worked for me.

Many thanks but the files are present in system32

Terence....if a dll is there in system32 doesnt mean the computer knows its there, I know this with crystal reports dll's, copy a new rundll instance of the dll into system32 and run regsvr32 command from run.....dragging the dll into the run box [saves having to type the path to system32] this registers it.
Or better still just drag the one in system32 to the run command box and do above regsvr32.

Tried all that but I am unable to run commands as the system asks me what program to open the file with. Have almost certainly ruled out a virus after on ine scans from Trend and Kaspersky.

Will continue tomorrow. In the meantime many thanks to you all.

Terry

Have you tried the exe file association fix?
The page also describes how to run the fix if you're unable to run commands (see top of page).

Still no luck chaps It seems that everything I try to do on any icon throws up this error.  RubenvdLinden
many thanks for helping but I cant do the install at all all I get is the same error all the time.
Terry

then go for a repair install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

it will eventualy restore all the windows files without deleting your data or programs, though you may still need to reinstall some programs after.

SheharyaarSaahil:

Many thanks for that I have a problem with Administrator Password on this one .

Terry

you dont need the admin password for the repair install :)

SheharyaarSaahil:

Many thanks I think I'm loosing the plot

Terry

No go did repair install and still have the same problem.

Terry

you cannot run any exe file.....right?
have you tried lanuching any application from safemode?

Hello

Yes all applications behave the same in safe mode, Attempting to run the fix suggested by RubenvdLinden results in the same error message in the Run Box. Using Ctrl Alt Del I can open the task manager box and by holding down ctrl whilst clicking file I get Run new box when I enter reget.exe I get this same error message.

Terry

if you rename regedit.exe to regedit.com, are you able to open it?

The rename of regedit.exe to regedit.com should get you into regedit.

If your computer connected to a network, there's a second option.
Open regedit.exe on another computer in the network. Click menu Registry > Connect network registry.
In the box, type the computer name of your computer (the one that's unable to execute applications).
As soon as your connected to the registry of your computer, try importing the reg file again.
If that succeeds, click menu Registry > Disconnect network registry.

Your computer should be able to run exe file again. If not, you can try a reboot.

Have tried it all still no go. This looks like a path issue now, when I try the redsvr32 (rundll32) command at the DOS Prompt. I get a message that the specified module can not be found.
Having established that a new copy of rundll32.exe exists as an application in Windows\System32, I carry out a search which shows two instances, one in C:\i386 and one on C:\windows\system32.

When I double click on the result in the search box I get C:\windows\rundll32.exe The specified path does not exist.

Any further ideas anyone.

Thanks

Terry

hmmmm....so have you checked the Environmental Variables, if they are all set to the correct paths?

The path settings seem to be ok and are as follows:

c:\windows\system32;c:\windows;c:\windows\system32\wbem;c:\progra~1\atitech~1\ati.ace\;c:\progra~1\common~1\teleca~1;c:\prog

You cannot use REGSVR32.EXE on RUNDLL32.EXE. Files which cannot be registered display the message "The specified module can not be found", so nothing strange there.

If you think it's a PATH problem, your PATH variable should at least contain C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

RubenvdLinden:

from a dos box regedit now runs

Terry

from the run box it still gives the same error message "The specified path does not exist"

Well this one has beaten me. I have managed to get a backup of the critical data so I am formatting now and will install a fresh copy of xp.

Very many thanks to you all for your help and I am sure I will be pestering you quite a lot in the future.

All the best

Terry

Same symptoms, resetting .exe file associatoin worked for me (as suggested by RubenvdLinden:):
>> Your exe file association is probably broken. You can download the fix from this page:
>> http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm