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Windows cannot find C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll.exe. Make sure you typed the name correstly and then try again. To search for a file check the start button and then click search.

Anonymous
2009-12-17T00:01:20+00:00

I tried to run my Spysweeper program and found it is not there, so I re downloaded and I couldn't install because there was one already on my computer.  I went to control panel to remove and received the message:

Windows cannot find C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe.  Make sure you typed the name correctly and then try again.  To search for a file, check the start button and then check search..

What do I do?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

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  1. Ramesh 176.1K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2009-12-17T06:40:29+00:00

    Hi gsrow,

    Here you go!

    Cannot find the Rundll32.exe file when you open Control Panel:

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/812340

    Alternately, copy the Rundll32.exe file from C:\Windows\System32\DllCache folder to the System32 folder.

    Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Desktop Experience]

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2010-03-05T17:31:50+00:00

    In this case, the "workaround" is a solution - the copy in DllCache is a legitimate copy kept by Windows, used to restore files that are missing or tampered with.  I guess I'm surprised Windows File Protection didn't pick up the missing rundll32 file in System32, right away...

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-03-05T09:49:27+00:00

    Very nice trick ,thanks , this sure saved some time , but could you explain how the workarund actually works?

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  3. Ramesh 176.1K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2010-01-27T01:56:48+00:00

    You're welcome!

    Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Desktop Experience]

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-01-26T17:50:01+00:00

    Nice trick!  No disk needed.  Worked well.  Thanks

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