".dll is either not designed to run on windows or it contains an error"

Anonymous
2025-03-22T22:03:36+00:00

When I log into my computer I am greeted with a black screen and the error message above. After looking up how to fix the error I realized that people can navigate their computer which I cant all I can do is go into recovery state and into bios as well sometimes when I log in my Wallpaper Engine is open. I've tried resetting my computer fully but it messes up very early in the process.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | 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.

0 comments

54 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Ramesh Srinivasan 88,095 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-03-22T23:06:38+00:00

    What as the output of the earlier commands? Please post all the outputs.

    Also, the output of the DIR command I posted.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2025-03-22T23:05:23+00:00

    That's what shows up when I enter the final line.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Ramesh Srinivasan 88,095 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-03-22T23:03:44+00:00

    If SFC doesn't run (as sfc.dll is corrupt), please post the output of this command:

    (If C: is the OS drive as per BCDEDIT output).

    Run:

    dir c:\windows\WinSxS\sfc.dll /s /a

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2025-03-22T22:52:06+00:00

    I am now trying the second step.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Ramesh Srinivasan 88,095 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-03-22T22:41:01+00:00

    Hi Christopher, This is Ramesh.

    1. Please take a photo of the error message window and share the image here.
    2. If you can load the recovery options, open WinRE Command Prompt and run SFC offline. Follow these steps:

    In WinRE Command Prompt, please run:

    bcdedit | find "osdevice"

    Note the OS drive letter in the output. Suppose it's C:. Then run:

    sfc /scannow /offbootdir=c:\  /offwindir=c:\windows  /offlogfile=c:\sfcoffline.txt






notepad c:\sfcoffline.txt

    Post the contents of c:\sfcoffline.txt.

    Reference:

    How to Run System File Checker (SFC) Offline:

    https://www.winhelponline.com/blog/run-sfc-offl...

    Standard Disclaimer: There is a link to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to provide accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments