multiple application errors

Question

I can't open many programs on my new laptop with Windows 8.1 I get the following error titles with the exact same message. ieexplore.exe - Application Error, dllhost.exe - Application Error, WerFault.exe - Application Error and qw.exe - Application Error.

The message with these errors is The instruction at 0x77617d56 referenced memory at 0x00000008. The memory could not be read.

What do I need to do to correct. It will not let me update my Windows either

Answer 1

Hi Andy,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I understand how frustrating it could be when things do not work as expected. I will certainly help you with this issue.

There could be several reasons for causing this issue. Like pending updates, driver corruption, third party application conflict. Let’s try to identify the actual cause and troubleshoot accordingly.

However, before we proceed I would require some more information to assist you better.

1. Do you see any failed or pending updates in Windows Update history?
2. What is the make and model of the laptop?
3. Are you able to access the apps from the Windows Store?
4. Do you remember making any changes to the system prior to this issue?

Method 1:

Run the System Maintenance troubleshooter and check if it helps.

a) Press the ‘**Windows + W’**key on the keyboard.

b) Type troubleshooter in the search box and then press enter.

c) Select Troubleshooting. Click on view all and select System Maintenance.

d) Click next and follow the on-screen instructions.

If the issue still persists, then try method 2.

Method 2:

Run System File Checker (SFC Scan) as this could be an issue with corrupt system files.

System File Checker is a utility in Microsoft Windows that allows users to scan for and restore corruptions in Windows system files.

If the issue still persists, then try method 3.

Method 3:

Step 1:

Boot the laptop in safe mode with networking and check if the issue persists.

Let’s boot the laptop in safe mode and check if issue reappears. Safe mode is a diagnostic mode that starts your laptop in a limited state. Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started. The words Safe Mode appear in the corners of your monitor to identify which Windows mode you’re using.

Step 2:

If issue does not appear in safe mode, there could be possibility of some background programs conflicting with the smooth running of the laptop. To help troubleshoot error messages and other issues, you can start the laptop by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This kind of startup is known as a "clean boot." A clean boot helps eliminate software conflicts.

How to perform a clean boot in Windows

Note: After troubleshooting, refer to this section ‘How to reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting’.

For Internet Explorer issue:

a. Open Internet Explorer.

b. Click on Tools and select Internet Options.

c. Click on Advanced Tab. Under Securitytab, uncheck the check box against “Enable memory protection to help mitigate online attacks”.

d. Click on Ok and check if it helps.

Hope the information helps. Let us know if you need further assistance with Windows related issues, we’ll be glad to assist you.

Thank you