Rundll32.exe missing, unable to reinstall rundll32.exe or open .exe files

Anonymous
2010-03-26T18:51:55+00:00

So I've looked around and figured out that a virus I had, XP Security, erased rundll32.exe when it itself was erased.  Now, I've found another copy on my computer in a recovery ISO that came with it (Thanks, MSI) but it's useless, because I CAN'T OPEN .EXE FILES.  I got internet explorer to open by selecting internet explorer in the Open With menu that appears every time I open a .exe file, and that worked for a few other programs (World of Warcraft, as well, mainly to test).

So, what do I do to open Rundll32.exe when my computer won't let me select Rundll32.exe as a program to open Rundll32.exe with.  I select it in the open with menu through browse, and it doesn't appear in the list of programs I can use, like Internet Explorer and WoW did.

I wanted to talk to someone on the phone for 5 minutes to figure this out, but that costs 20% of what my computer cost ($50, im on a netbook).  Come on, 50 bucks???  really, microsoft?

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

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Anonymous
2011-05-09T13:49:47+00:00

thank you for your reply. Here is my problem. I am on a laptop at this time. My problem is with my windows xp home edition desktop. I cannot access a website or bring up a address bar to imput your link. Whenever i click on internet explorer or itunes or anything that has to be opened up, i get the "open with" box and it says "choose the program you want to use to open this file". I tried removing the rundll32.exe and it coming back into the folder.

When i go into folder c\windows\system32\rundll32.exe and delete the file,  i go back to search results and it comes back in the search results after a couple of seconds.

thanks again.

The goal is not to delete the rundll32 permanently but to replace it with a valid replacement. If your wfp is replacing the file then there is no need to continue deleting it.

That said, the easiest way to fix this is to use a flash drive (thumb drive) or other removable media to download and run the file on the link I gave to you. However, if you do not have access to removable media you can try to reassociate executable files manually.

CTRL-ALT-DEL and open Task Manager.  Once there, click File, then hold down the CTRL key and click New Task (Run).  This will open a Command Prompt window. On the command line type assoc.exe=exefile > Press Enter. You should receive a prompt the action was successful.

It sounds like your shortcuts may have been disassociated as well. On the command line type assoc.lnk=lnkfile > press Enter.

Next, click on the link below, download, update and perform a full scan with Malwarebytes.

Malwarebytes.org

How to use Malwarebytes

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-06-11T02:33:02+00:00

    This worked perfectly thank you so much for the info......

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-01-23T03:12:55+00:00

    well im glad it worked for you cause its not for me mines junk lol

    What's not working for you? Tell me your problems. I am hear to listen and solve them.. :)

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-01-23T01:44:49+00:00

    well im glad it worked for you cause its not for me mines junk lol

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-06-29T21:48:00+00:00

    Yes, the problem continues. I found a copy of the rundll32.exe and copied it to the C:\windows\system32 folder, overwriting the file there, but I still am unable to run most programs (including Malwarebytes) and things in the Control Panel.  Some programs I can open by right clicking and selecting "run as..".  This doesn't work on Control Panel items. 

    What should I try next?

    Some things are working now.  I got Malwarebytes to run by renaming MBAM.exe to MBAM.com and using "run as" on MBAM.com. (This was a suggestion on Malwarebytes.org Support) Updated and now running a scan.  One bad file on first scan (before updating), but now doing a complete scan.

    I also got other programs to run - Outlook Express, most importantly - by using the FixExe link you provided.  Fortunately, internet explorer has been working most of the time. 

    After Malwarebytes finishes, I'll try a reboot and see if things continue to work better. 

    TechGeek2 - Thanks much for your help!

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