Windows explorer appcrash - comctl32.dll

[John Frank]

I get the 'stopped working - appcrash, module comctrl32.dll' message box on bootup. Only options close explorer.exe; I'm left with a black screen with only a cursor - no desktop or taskbar. Ctrl-alt-del results in same message box except prog is task manager. Safe mode gives same result. Safe mode cmd prompt gives command line that works except I haven't found any progs or services that work. No restore points - I don't know why. I have run the avgscanx virus scan with no viruses found. I connected the hard drive to my desktop and scanned for viruses -- found none. Chkdsk corrected minor inconsistencies - nothing major. What can I do?

[AnnMarie]

Can you check the filename please John. comctl32.dll is a Windows file however comctrl32.dll is not and may indicate an infection.

[John Frank]

I apologize. Filename was a typo -- it is comctl32.dll.
Thanks.

[AnnMarie]

No problem. Ok, we need to access the Recovery Environment. Do you have a Vista DVD or was Vista preinstalled on this computer?

[John Frank]

Vista was preinstalled, but I did try the Vista Repair option of the boot menu. No help there - it couldn't fix it.

[AnnMarie]

Ok, boot into the Recovery Environment again and instead of Startup Repair, choose Command Prompt. Very carefully, type the below command after the prompt including spaces (x represents the drive letter of your Vista installation as seen in the Recovery Environment).

sfc /scanfile=x:\windows\system32\comctl32.dll /offbootdir=x:\ /offwindir=x:\windows

Read and print this tutorial before starting.

[John Frank]

SFC results: "Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations."

Should I run SFC offline with the /scannow option to check all?

Thanks.

[AnnMarie]

Yes, using the below command (x represents your drive letter as before).

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=x:\  /offwindir=x:\windows

[John Frank]

SFC acted like it was going to check them, said it would take some time, but then returned this result: "Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation."

[AnnMarie]

Hmm, I wonder if there is a problem with your hard drive.

Boot into the Recovery Environment and open a command prompt again. Type:

chkdsk c: /r

after the prompt and hit Enter. It will take a while to run but keep an eye on it. Did it find any errors on the volume and are you still unable to boot into Windows?

[John Frank]

I apologize for the delay in getting back here -- busy weekend.

Chkdsk found no problems (I had run chkdsk before posting this problem and only found minor inconsistencies), but this time it did include an error at the end of the summary:
"Failed to transfer logged messages to the event log with status 50."

[AnnMarie]

Hmm, I replied earlier but there appears to have been a glitch of some sort with our database.

Chkdsk found no problems (I had run chkdsk before posting this problem and only found minor inconsistencies), but this time it did include an error at the end of the summary:
"Failed to transfer logged messages to the event log with status 50."

That's standard when you run chkdsk from within the Recovery Environment John.

Unfortunately, this doesnt leave us with options. A Startup Repair didnt fix the problem, you have no Restore Points and SFC wont run.

I can only suggest that you backup any important data (if you can) and try restoring to Factory Default.

To back up your data you will need to attach a USB drive with capacity to hold your files and boot back into the Recovery Environment and open a command prompt. Type:

C:\windows\notepad.exe

Hit Enter and Notepad will open. Go to File Open and where it says Look In, if Vista is on your C drive, change the directory to OS (C: ) or to whatever drive letter Vista is installed on. Next, change the Files of Type to "All Files". You will now be able to navigate through your drive and save files to the USB drive. Rightclick on the file you want to save and choose Copy. Navigate to your USB drive, rightclick again and choose Paste.