Error when right clicking on desktop!

Right!

For a while now I've had this problem! If I right click on my desktop I get a "DDHelp as caused a problem in Kernel 32" error. It also happens if I start certain programs, nothing in particular just random programs. Sometimes, one program will work but the next day it throws up the DDHelp error.

I've re-installed DirectX to no effect, and now it's really irking me as I can't use Nero (or any other burning software) to back-up any files incase I have to re-install 98SE. They all throw up the DDHelp error.

 

Azagoth

Have you done full system Trojan, SpyWare and Virus checks ?

The one time I had the problem it took a reinstall of Windows to fix.

BillyBob

 

The reinstall of directx is stressing the importance of first changeing your adapter (making note of your current one) to a Standard VGA. Then reinstall directx. Then change your adapter back to what ever your correct current one is. (Reboots anywhere in the procedure where it was called for).

Pictured how-to... "change you're graphic adapter to vga ":
http://support.earthlink.net/mu/1/psc/img/walkthroughs/windows_9x_nt/other/5786.psc.html

I know you have explained that you have reinstalled directx but did you do the adapter switch first? I'm also curious if while still using the vga adapter if the ddhelp error is gone and does it return when you switch back to your adapter drivers?

After directx reinstall, run it through as diagnostics test. Does it have any problems or make note of such?

I know this problem is frustrating but it almost always directx, video or sound related. Deffinitely not an easy combination of things to troubleshoot. You usually have to keep trying various things until you hit or stumbled upon the right combination. Throw in the old kernel32 and you can driven to tears.

When you get this error, have you tried doing a cntrl/alt/del and ending the task on ddhelp.exe (if it is running)? BillyBob has suggested a secondary possibility which is always worth persuing. DDhelp.exe would be a prime target for critter infestation. At least you would have eliminated this as a possibility. Go to the security forums sub forum "removing spyware and malware" and read the sticky pinned at the top of the forum. It's called "Welcome ". Follow the steps and directions within it ie; on-line scans, downloadig and running lava soft's adaware and spybot combo, running Microsofts malware/spyware cleaner, possibly followed up by a hijackthis.log looksee (if previous things done, indicated that there were/are problems). If you have problems doing so, let me know. At least this would give you an opportunity to take a break from the directx, adapter problem for a bit. In the long run it can't hurt and may help.

 

I can't follow those instructions, as when I right click to go to properties I get the error and the system freezes. I also get the error if I navigate to the properties via control panel. So it's impossible for me to open any of the desktop properties panels. As an aside, I notice you're in Staffordshire, me too, I'm in Stoke!

Yep, I perform those scans every two day's anyway. Using, AdAware, Spybot, AVG and PCcillin, they come up neagative for anything mallicious.

As outlined above, I can't open any of the desktop/graphics adapter properties panels at all. So I can't change to to VGA for the re-install operation.

BTW, this only happened overnight. The PC was running just fine when it was shut down, nothing has been added, taken away or updated then the next day I booted it up and this problem started occuring.

I am planning to build myself a new PC in a few months anyway, but for now this problem is a real pain. Actually, it's more irritating than anything else.

 

Hmmm... what can you do using a safemode bootup?

----OPTION CHOICE #1--------
>From with in win98 try the shiutdown option of "restart in dosmode "
from the dos prompt:
>type cd\ and hit enter to clear the dosprompt
>type WIN /D:M and hit enter
^this is the safemode switch for win.com

----OPTION CHOICE #2--------
>From windows 98 and on the startbutton run line>type msconfig
>click on the [generel tab]
>select the advance button
>put a tick in the option: "enable startup menu "
>Reboot and you should find yourself at the startup menu that will allow a safemode option.
NOTE*Remember to run msconfig to reenable "Normal" bootup when done.

----OPTION CHOICE #3--------
Use tweakui:
Check out the "Boot" tab. Options can be found here to control several bootup choices.

----OPTION CHOICE #4--------
You could have always used the Emergency startup disk that you should have made when installing windows and can still and should make if you haven't. This has an option for safemode bootup.

----OPTION CHOICE #4, MORE A TRICK REALLY--------
This may help when the timing of the tapping the cntrl key or F* is hard to catch. Some have found that putting a nonsystem floppy in the a drive will stop the loading process at the correct needed moment for the tapping to commence, When alert flag comes up remove floppy and start your tapping.

There are a few other ways but one of the above two should work. Once in safemode check out "device manger" and look to see if you have problems, duplicates etc. Perhaps changing/removing or disabling your adapter from here would work.

 

Perhaps you can isolate the culprit by disabling the context menu items in some systematic way. Use ShellExView or equal and start by disabling all non-MS items.

 

When trying to get to the device properties in device manager have you tried double clicking on the device or just right clicking? If you haven't, try double clicking.

Also, as stated in other posts, try safe mode.

 

Hello????

Where did you go????

 

Sorry, work called me away to another part of the Country!

I can boot into safe mode and right click on desktop without getting an error, but I can't find the option to switch to VGA in the adapter properties when in safe mode.

On the ALT/CTRL/DEL option when I get this error, 99% of the time that freezes the system, if the error itseld doesn't freeze it first.

 

I'd just like to say thanks guy's!

I seem to have sorted it out, with your help. I managed to switch over to VGA in safe mode, then boot back into windows (albeit at 640x480) and re-install DirextX. Then, after pointing windows back to my GeForce4 and it's drivers, re-booting all seems to be OK. Well, touch wood, I managed to right click on the desktop to alter the resolution back to my regular 'high' resolution and colour depth without recieving the error.

Once again, thanks guy's, the help was much appreciated!

 

Hi Azagoth,
Well this does look like progress and good news. I hope it is the permanent fix you needed and will stick. I am sorry for the delay in a response, when I noticed you were struggling to figure out how to change your adapter to vga while in safemode but I see you figured it out in the end.

I found myself site page sublink deep with research, while trying to help another board member with their issue. I kept meaning to take a few minutes to respond to yours but this never happened. I always seem to get side tracked and "interest captivated" by other other topics found on those sublinks. It takes me a while to get back on track and stick to the original subject I had started out on. The scenic route "side roads" always draw me in. I guess, as a avid reader, I will always stop to smell the roses.

Thanks for the update and your most welcome.