I hate DLL's that don't work!

OK, so Im in the middle of a crisis with my computer at this time, but my dad calls me up yesterday and asked about a message he is receiving upon entering WindowsME (Im pretty sure thats the version he has). Please tell me this isnt a virus, cause I really don't feel like going through the same **** I am....with HIS computer!

Cannot start IPHLPAPI.DLL


Any clues on what this is? What I can do to solve the problem? Thank you for any help, its much appreciated!!!

 

Did he just recently install AOL 9.0?

 

Got the same error on an ME computer at work after installing AOL 9.0, coupled with frequent disconnects. Reinstalling fixed the the problem, but PeteC's link to an MS fix sure seems the way to go first.

 

Thanks, I will update ASAP

Yes my dad just recently installed AOL 9.0
I sometimes wonder if 9.0 has cause more problems than what it really is worth. I had a major crash just after installing the 9.0, yea major! Formatted the C and spent the next 3 or 4 days in my PJ's hugging my teddy bear, crying "why didnt I back up my files????? WHY?!?!?!?!?!" But, all is pretty much back to normal now, just a few personal files lighter. I sent my dad the link to the download and gave him the basics. So after he downloads that I will send out another post and tell you all what happened with that. Thank you PeteC for all your help. I cant tell you how much I love this site!

 

From Mike Maltby (MS-MVP):-

For most users this problem is caused by installing AOL9 since AOL 9 uses a different version of iphlpapi.dll than is included with Win Me and fails to install it correctly. It appears that after over three years AOL's programmers have yet to understand and appreciate the benefits of system file protection whether it be in Win Me or perhaps even XP. You can check this for yourself where you will find that AOL have put a version of iphlpapi.dll in the Program Files/Common Files/AOL/ACS/winme folder which differs from that in the windows\system folder.

Since the copy of iphlpapi.dll in the windows\system folder is protected from alteration or deletion by Win Me's System File Protection (SFP) it cannot simply be replaced by the copy in the AOL folder. Whilst there are ways of defeating SFP so that AOL's file can be added to the system folder I personally feel this is a problem that needs to be remedied by AOL. All they need to do is to supply the necessary certificate and the version in the system folder can be replaced.

Some users have found that downloading and installing v4.90.3001 of iphlpapi.dll from the link in KB 279866 - "Iphlpapi.dll Error Message with a 16-Bit Windows Sockets-Based Program" (http://support.microsoft.com?kbid=279866) has solved their problem.

If your problem is a result of installing AOL 9 you may want to consider using System Restore to solve this problem by rolling back your system to before the problem started and dumping AOL 9 until AOL can get things working correctly (just don't hold your breath) provided that that was not more than a few days ago.

 

Didn't work!

Ok, I went over to dads and downloaded the file from Microsoft for him and ran the program set up thingy....

So far so good.

Dad sent me an email today saying that he still recieved the same error message and says he really doesnt want to downgrade to the previous version of AOL if he doesnt have to. Is there another way of fixing this error problem without downgrading? Thank you in advanced for any and all suggestions!!

 

As I said, the message went away when 9.0 was reinstalled. But it may also have something to do with me disabling some startup items. I'll check tomorrow to see what all I disabled and post back.

BTW, since Pete posted the link to the MS patch I have been holding off on applying it and checking with user everyday. Still no error messages.

 

Moved to Other Internet Software.

 

Noahdfear

Thanks let me know what you find out. My dad has a huge list of start up programs in his misconfig, there were so many that I was afraid to really do anything to it. I know what items on my computer I need running because I look at misconfig on a regular basis to see if anything has decided up start up automatically. But his windowsME is a lot different to me than my Windows98. What items are the most essential? Thanks again for any help!

 

Have him download StartupList and run it, then copy and post the results here.