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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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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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]

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9 additional answers

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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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