RunDll32.exe: what is it and how does it work?

The line of Windows operating systems uses a large number of libraries that dynamically connect, implement some functions and perform tasks for the needs of the OS. And this happens with the utility runDll32.exe. This article will tell you what it is.

RunDll32.exe - what it is and how it works

The utility performs one simple task - loads the necessary functions from various DLLs and launches them. Starting with version 95 and Millenium, this functionality was implemented using two versions. These were runDll.exe and runDll32.exe. Further to the version of XP only 32-bit version was used. The utility is included in both Vista and later versions. However, its use is minimized and not recommended. It is kept only for compatibility with older versions of programs that implement the potential of runDll32.exe.

But how then does Microsoft realize the use of library functions if it gradually moves away from this utility? It's very simple, its capabilities are shifted to other software packages. And it's true that you can not meet the process runDll32.exe in the task manager any more.

File location

The file is always located in the folder with the operating system. Namely in the System32 directory. For 64-bit versions there is also an additional folder SysWOW64, which is located in Windows.

If suddenly runDll32.exe somehow was not in the listed folders, then this is a sure sign that something is wrong with the system. Therefore, you need to quickly check its antivirus software and the integrity of important files, for example, using the SFC utility.

How does the utility work?

Since the program itself does not contain any libraries, it only performs the launch of the functions necessary for the operation of a particular application. In particular, the normal version of LoadLibrary () is called. As you can guess from the name, it downloads the specified library. Then, another control function is transferred, GetProcAddress (). It already specifically calls the necessary code area, which is important for running the program being run. Then the called function gets the necessary input parameters. Then there is an exit, once it has worked, and unloading the library from memory.

In other words, you can express this implementation as follows: an application has been installed in the system. It has its own components that perform a special function, and they are presented in the form of libraries. In order for the program to use its own functionality, although it is possible and one of the regular, system, you need run runDll32.exe. That is, in fact, it is just a wrapper, a kind of clutch for running libraries. Unfortunately, this functionality is very successful using various malicious programs.

Common problems and errors

Very often as a result of failures, errors can occur in this utility. There are small differences, but basically they look like this:

• An error occurred.
• The file system32 / runDll32.exe was not found.
• Error launching the program.
• Invalid path to the application.

The text of the error message can be different, but the message is always clear - there was some failure in runDll32.exe. How to solve the problem with the utility? Further, several simple methods will be presented that can help in solving the problem.

Several ways to fix errors

First, you can verify the reality of the file - it should be located at the address Windows / System32 / rundll32.exe. Its average size is 44 KB. If runDll32.exe was found in a different folder or has a different weight than the original one, it may be that its integrity has been violated due to an error or virus. You can tinker and try to replace it manually by copying from the operating system-donor. However, if the error occurred as a result of the action of the virus, then many adjacent files may be infected and corrupted.

Cleaning the registry. Removed from the operating system applications can leave traces. And the place for them is the register. It is necessary to remove the remaining branches of old and remote programs from it. This can be done with the help of special checking tools, like Ccleaner.

Full-featured Windows has good programs and utilities that can check the integrity of files and restore if necessary. For example, a good function is "Disk Cleanup". You can run it from the command line with the cleanmgr command or by going to the Start menu, then to the "Standard" and "Service". Also a good utility is the SFC, which only works from the console.

A runDll32.exe error often occurs when installing new applications or games on a computer. Therefore, you should try to update the driver or DirectX.

It is very useful to use the built-in "System Restore" function. In case of any problems, not necessarily related to runDll32.exe, you can quickly roll back to the running system.

New applications and games require new components and system functions. Therefore, a good way to keep the OS clean is to constantly install fresh updates. To do this, the "automatic update" feature must be enabled.

Performing these simple tips and recommendations will help not only cope with the problem runDll32.exe, but with most others. In the worst case, you will have to reinstall the Windows system completely.

Conclusion

The article described in detail about runDll32.exe, what it is, where the utility is located and how it works. Several ways of eliminating the most typical errors related to its challenges were indicated.

To avoid problems with runDll32.exe, it's enough just to carefully treat your operating system and monitor it, periodically conduct various checks of the integrity of files and the presence of viruses. Installing updates and secure Internet access will avoid most of the possible errors associated with the computer.