Windows 10 Bizarre RunDLL Error in shell32.DLL

Thanks for the replies Greg.

I agree fully with your assessment regarding bloatware!  It is something that I really dislike with HP computers which, otherwise seem to be pretty good.  I have already uninstalled the bloatware antivirus that came with it, as I have been using Defender on my previous computers and it has worked well.

This is a 'new' computer, but I have spent the past month installing all my numerous applications (MS Office 2016 Professional, two types of CAD programs, photo editing software, 'C' programming software, amateur radio programming and remote operation software, Garmin update software, etc,. etc.) and configuring each to my preferences; so, although I am sure there are numerous other bloatware items on this computer that I have not yet taken the time to discover and uninstall, which of your suggestions (if any) should I attempt first in order to leave my own apps installed and configured?

Thanks again.

Please see how to use Start Fresh in Windows 10 to perform a new install:

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/perform-a-clea...

There is also an automated Refresh that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

Hey Samurai. I'm Greg, a volunteer installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

HP makes great hardware but the factory install is the worst in the industry, larded with bloatware like utilities that duplicate and cause issues with better versions built into Windows. Most enthusiasts won't even run a factory or Upgrade install but prefer the better performance of a Clean Install which should get you past all difficulties as it has hundreds of thousands of others who have followed the steps in this link and never come back to report another problem: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

There is a new guided walk-through from Microsoft for repairing Windows Update that leads up to resetting components if necessary: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10164/...

DLL errors can emanate because of a conflict with programs caused by freeloaders starting the Windows. HP factory install can have more than a dozen of these, when Windows actually doesn't need anything but Windows to start with it. Turning off freeloaders is Step 4 in the checklist below:

You can go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Be sure to also fully uninstall any bloatware anti-virus that comes preinstalled on the HP which is the worst single thing it offers. Use built-in Defender which always offers best Windows performance with least issues, and is from Microsoft who knows how to protect their OS best.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

One further note:

I ran SFC to determine if there were any file issues - no problem reported.

I also did a full system scan for viruses and malware - no problem reported.

I am frustrated beyond belief!

Thanks.