Kernel32, Restrictions & Disappearing Windows

Ok I've having a whole mess of problems here.

I keep getting errors with kernel32.dll when I try to run programs.

I get a message that says: the operation was cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. contact system administrator

And also windows keep disappearing. Weather it be Explorer, Mozilla or Winzip. I open a program and then it just closes.

Please help me!!! I don't know what to do!!!

OS: Windows ME
CPU/Ram: 128RAM 800MHz

 

Hello CosmoQueen,

If you have System Restore enabled, try going back to just before this problem started. Do it in safe mode: tap the F8 or F5 key on bootup, then Accessories > System Tools.

Regards - Charles

 

No I don't have system restore enabled. And even if I did it wouldn't matter because it's stopped working.

 

Hello CosmoQueen,

The problem here is that kernel32.dll is a fundamental part of windows and any number things could be wrong with it - from it being a hardware problem (memory) to malware that replaced it. Can you do a search for it, it should be in the \Windows\System32\ folder. if its anywhere else, its not legitimate.

Here are two references to start narrowing it down:

http://www.helpwithwindows.com/windows98/troub-342.html

http://www.5starsupport.com/info/kernel32.htm

No I don't have system restore enabled. And even if I did it wouldn't matter because it's stopped working.
I understand its late now, but as soon as SR stopped working, it should have been fixed, because you're minus a lifeline now. When this problem gets resolved, post back to work on that problem, it can be fixed.

Regards - Charles

 

I don't know how to resolve the problem.

 

In safe mode, can you keep explorer running w/o closing? And if so, try a search of kernel32.dll. Trying to find out whether this is a case of corruption of kernel32.dll or a case of malware.

If not, did you ever create a boot disk (floppy) for your system? If not, go here and download to a floppy the boot disk for WinMe, you'll need it: http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm OEM version.

When you get that done, read this MS article on fdisk http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q255867 because what you're going to have to do is wipe the drive and re-install the OS from the WinME CD. fdisk will be on that boot disk.

Regards - Charles