Load dll fail

[granshaz]

Hi
Thank you in advance

When my computer loads (Windows xp) i get a little box saying Load dll error, then it says
C:\ProgramFiles\RALINK\Common\RaWLAPI.dll
Also my computer won't update, i know xp is out of date now but it won't let me update the last update.

Sharon

[jojo]

Ignore the updates and turn them off. The last update is one of M$'s rather unpleasant naggs to upgrade to whatever is their latest.

As for the error, this is caused by a corrupt .dll file. The only recommended way to repair it is to reinstall the program associated with the file.

If you have the original installation disc, use that. Either install the whole program or if it gives you a repair option use that.

If you are having problems then can you post details of the Program and the associated hardware, so we can look up the relevant file for you.

It does sound like you need some better anti-malware programs. Can you post details of those you have currently?

I can post a short list of the best currently available.

There are quite a number of services that are obsolete on XP now. They are also obsolete on W7 and later, but need to be left on until M$ looses interest.

If you wish I will post a list of those you can safely turn off and how to do it.

[mikkh]

RALINK seems to point to a wireless card/dongle, chances are you don't even need this file - probably just a support program (non driver) that got installed with the driver

Install Ccleaner if you don't already have it and go to tools/startup and delete everything that is not your virus checker (should be obvious by the name(s))

That should get you past the error message and make your PC faster as a bonus

Re-installing the wireless drivers may cure it as jojo suggests, but I also worry that an infection caused it in the first place, and that should be sorted first

Use this first

www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/

and on the same page (scroll down) you could also run Junkware Removal Tool and combofix for completeness, but be warned combofix can take a long time compared to other two which are done in a few minutes at worst and will usually catch most things between them anyway

[granshaz]

Hi mikkh, i have ccleaner already installed, when i got to tools/startup do i delete or disable things?

Hi jojo, i have Malwarebytes, spybot search and distroy, ccleaner, avira and zone alarm
i'm not confident enough to try searching the installation disc. I now have turned off automatic updates.
If you could give me a list of what to turn off and how to do it i would be really grateful.

[jojo]

For the faulty program, if you're not confident, delete it. We can do a clean up then you can find a replacement.

First as mikkh says, click on this link, download the program and run it.
www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/

Your other stuff is first rate. Don't forget to update it every so often and run MWB and/or SBS&D

The principal of turning off services in XP is to turn off those you don't use.

In my case, for example, I am a home user who doesn't have a network. I do printing, surfing the net, play music, watch a few videos and store a pile of photos and nonsense just in case.

A pretty average home user.

So, for me, turn off all those services associated with networking and offices.

The graphic below gives a list of services that I have turned off, plus a few details of how to do these. The only one you might think need to think about is turning off the Windows Firewall. It is strongly advised since it isn't very good, but you will need to replace it.

This one is OK www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/firewall.php Though I will confess I don't use a software firewall myself. With all programs, while you are loading them, look at each screen to see if they are offering you anything extra, trials, free stuff bonuses, and reject these. Always. Even Microsoft is doing this now. So watch as you install.

As I said, I don't use a software firewall because I am connected to the net with a router supplied by my internet company, Virgin. Most internet companies supply routers these days, if you do then it is almost certain you will have a hardware firewall, as I have. This is so much better than anything else that you won't need a software one.

To check if you have a hardware firewall, log into this site: www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

Press Proceed and wait. It is safe, free and will tell you if your firewall is working. It will also give you so many warnings you will probably never want to use a computer again. Gibson is an excellent fellow by doesn't trust anyone. Relax, have a look around his site and take his more dramatic alarming stories with a pinch of salt. Some good stuff there though. Gibson is no fool.

So, work your way through the first section. Doing these you should get an improvement next time you restart.

As for the services. These are also very simply but if you are not sure, just look at the page and see what you think. To get to the services click START Programs, Administrator Tools Component services.

Have a look and see how you feel. if you don't fancy it, just leave it at that.

If you want to try one, scroll to Auto Updates , It's near the top of the list.

Right click on it, select Properties.

A box opens. In the middle of the box is written: StartUp Type.

Click the down arrow next to it and select Disabled.

Click Apply then close the box.

That's all there is to it.

But if you don't fancy it, then don't worry. It's there if you ever do.

[mikkh]

Disable if you feel more comfortable doing it that way, it's probably wise if you're not sure which program does what in the startup list


That list of services is a bit savage and contains too many 'possibly' descriptions and incomplete info for my liking

IMAPI CD burning service is NOT needed for CD burning, it's only needed for the Windows attempt at transferring files to CD. A separate CD/DVD burning program will work fine without it

According to this list you must disable both wired autoconfig and wireless zero configuration, that sounds like asking for trouble on an xp machine that probably uses old g standard wi-fi

Disable themes? I might agree with that on a later version of Windows if you're desperate to make it faster, but it's clutching at straws on XP unless it's got a totally inadequate amount of RAM. Makes poor old XP look a bit prettier at least

Shell hardware detection - can definitely cause problems if disabled, set it to manual maybe or just leave on auto

There's a few more I could argue about, but it's bedtime

[jojo]

It's no problem mikkh. I compiled the list myself. Any errors I take full responsibility for.

I did try to research each service, one at a time. The results were occasionally ambiguous so I went with what seemed the most reliable.

The explanations were necessarily brief since they needed to fit into small spaces. Also the links provided were just the most important ones. Black Viper has a good reputation, but as I have pointed out several times. he is an admin of a group of computers so his conclusions are generally intended for networking.

Understand your point about themes. I a minimalist sort myself.

There are two things though, anyone should be aware of:

Firstly, this is my set up. It seems to suit me and if, occasionally, I might have a problem, I generally know if it is a service and which one.

But the most important point and which I do hope is never forgotten is, when playing with services, do one at a time and see how it goes.

www.blackviper.com/windows-services/imapi-cd-burning-com-service/

[granshaz]

Well, i'm a bit of a thicko i think, i managed to run www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
and it told me it was good, i also managed to download and run www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/ and it found one thing that i fixed. I can't seem to find Administrator Tools Component services. and i can't find how start up type. I really am a novice, i only use comp for surfing net, i don't download music or anything, i'm on virgin too. Thank you both for trying to help, i really do appreciate it.

[jojo]

It's OK, I'll guide you through it.

First, find the My Computer Icon on your desktop. Right click on that and select Properties.

You will be presented with a panel with a number of tabs.

Click on Automatic Updates and set it to off.

Next remote and remove the tick if there's one, otherwise, it's fine.

Those first two are important.

Next we can remove some eye candy. This will speed up your machine noticeably, but some seem to like it. It's up to you.

The Advance Tab, click that. On the Advanced panel, click Settings. On Visual Effects, remove all the ticks from the list of boxes.

Finally, click Apply.

You're done the first bit and can now see how utterly easy it all is.

Now, Click Start button, Settings, Control Panel, Administrative Tools. The Click Services.

There is a long list of services. near the top, you will see Automatic Updates. Right click on that and then select properties. On the line where it says Startup type click the down arrow and from the drop down box, select Disabled. Click Apply and close.

Job done.

Easy isn't it?

There's a ton of services in there, you don't need. Some use resources, others create open ports through which Malware can act.

Now that you've done one, relax for a bit and contemplate on the realisation that you are a whole lot smarter than you thought.

If you want any more advice, especially which to turn off first, or anything else then please ask.

Also, if you're not sure, then say so. I am more than happy to offer any support I can.

[granshaz]

Hi jojo, thank you i have done all what you said, you explained it fully so i could follow your instructions, but, now i don't know what to do lol, i don't know what else to disable and i'm scared of doing something wrong.

[jojo]

OK, you've successfully disabled the most important one, the service that lets M$ get access to your machine.

Now, lets see of we can plug a few more holes.

The process, as you've already learnt, is quite straight forward and turning off any service is exactly the same, except for choosing the right one.

We'll turn off Application Management next. This is reported to be a left over from Win 98 days and has been reported as causing some security problems. Even M$ suggested turning it off.

The Application Management service is not supported in Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, and the Appmgmt.dll file is not included with Windows XP Home Edition. However, the registry setting that disables this service is not configured correctly in Windows XP Home Edition. Therefore, the Add Program routine tries to find the Appmgmt.dll file. When the Add Program routine cannot find the Appmgmt.dll file, the entry appears in the system log.

support.microsoft.com/kb/328213

It isn't important if you don't follow all that. I have bags of time on my hands (Loving every bone idle second ) and have researched each of these carefully.

So, this is the next service to turn off.

Click Start button, Settings, Control Panel, Administrative Tools. The Click Services.

Near the top of the long list is Application Management. Right click on that and then select properties. On the line where it says Startup type click the down arrow and from the drop down box, select Disabled. Click Apply and close.

Once you've done that you should be feeling confident about turning off services.

I'm going to go through my list and select those which I know you can turn off, on your current computer. The process is the same each time. The services will generally be displayed in alphabetical order. And after you turn off a service, restart your machine and take a short while to make sure it's all OK. It almost certainly will be.

I intend to avoid suggesting any services that you may possibly need.

In the mean time, can you do something?

Using your Windows Explorer program can you go to the folder: C:\programfiles\complus applications

If it's empty can you say so? I am 99% certain it will be, but it's important to check. This is the folder for the COM+ service that can be turned off. It is another of those resource hogs. It is designed to allow your computer to communicate with certain types of industrial machinery, which generally uses a different language and such.  And you will benefit. But only if that folder is empty.

[granshaz]

Hi jojo, i can't find this Using your Windows Explorer program can you go to the folder: C:\programfiles\complus applications

[jojo]

In that case I'll add that one to the list.

As far as I know, the only software that used it was Visual Studio back in the days of Windows 98. I may be wrong but I think it was part of the software that communicated with a plotter.

It's in W7 but seems a bit more involved.

I did say I'd make up a list of stuff you can safely turn off and I will. Just ben a bit busy in the last 24 hours or so. One of my W7 games decided to update itself and turned off some third party software that is basically essential. It's back now, but in the mean time, I was trying out a few of the ideas to get it to work. Something about VerboseLogging. I still laugh when I read that word.

[jojo]

I've had another look through the list and can't really see any thay you might need

You have a router so you don't need Windows Firewall. You should turn that off first, (Type firewall.cpl into the RUN box in the STARTY menu.A box will open with the firewall option listed.)
then turn off the Windows Firewall Service,
then turn off Application Layer Gateway Service.

A couple are labelled security risk. Needless to say these should be turned off.

Protected Storage may seem useful providing password storage and autocomplete. But it isn't. It doesn't work too well. Is very insecure and the storage on browsers such as Firefox is much better.

Volume Shadow Copy may be important to you if you like to do backups and have the M$ backup software. I personally use third party backup software which doesn't usually need VSC. If your backup program needs it it will complain and its a simple matter to put it back on again.

Likewise Task Scheduler. If you like setting tasks then leave it on, Otherwise slows down start up by a significant amount.

Good luck. Don't try to do it all at once. Other than the instructions for Firewall, these can pretty much be done in any order.

If you're not sure about any service, because it sounds useful for example don't. You can post it here and I can tell you exactly what it's for and why you can turn it off.

It's important you feel confident. You will see a dramatic increase in speed.

There are a few other things you can do after these. The full power of XP is yet to be realised!

[granshaz]

Hi jojo,
I have disable task scheduler, i did try to get into msconfig but for some reason it tells me i havn't got administrative rights (something like that) but i have had this comp from new although it is about 8 years old. I don't know how to back comp up (told you i am a bit of a thicko)oh, i already have windows firewall set to off.

[jojo]

Whoever installed your copy of XP, didn't give you administrator right. So we need to figure out how to get it for you.

So, open Control Panel. Then click on User Accounts.Your should see your account and perhaps others, Guest, Administrator and whatever. Click on your account. A new screen opens. Hopefully it will have the option, Change My account Type. Click that and select Computer administrator.

Now, there is a possibility it isn't that easy. Which meand the Administrator account needs to be accessed.

First, you need to see if there is the admin account has a password set. Many don't. Of those that do, often the password in nul So,

Click the back arrow on top LH side of the panel. till you get back to the User Accounts panel again. Click on Administrator. If it asks for a password, click enter without touching any other key. If that doesn't work then it hasn't set a nul password.

If that doesn't get you into the administrator account, then we need to hack the administrator account password. It isn't as difficult as it seems but it's been so long since I've done it, I will need to check up exactly how.

It may be easier, at this time, to simply try those.

If you are accessing msconfig to access the startup programs list, then there is another, rather easier way to do it. Install Ccleaner. If you don't have Ccleaner then you really should, it's kinda standard on Windows now. The best place to get it is www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/ccleaner/

In that there are a number of tabs. Select Tools then Startup.

Tell us how you get on.

And don't forget to try Buzzy's Jigsaw.

[vikingken]

Start in Safe Mode and you can do what you like, you are automatically admin.

[jojo]

Jan 23, 2015 4:09:55 GMT vikingken said:

Start in Safe Mode and you can do what you like, you are automatically admin.

Good point.

You could alter your user account, from Safe Mode, to have full administrator rights.

Hopefully that will be all you'll need.

[granshaz]

Jojo, i do have ccleaner installed but i have only ever used it to clear cookies out,to try ans speed comp up, i have gone to control panel then user accounts and it says my name then computor administrator so i'm not quite sure why when using msconfig its saying i'm not, it also says guest account is off.

[jojo]

I'm not sure either to be honest. The only thing I can think of, and it is just a guess, is that your installation is OEM and whoever set that up, put some restrictions on it.

Ccleaner is a perfectly good, perhaps simpler method of doing exactly the same job however.

But for your original query:

When my computer loads (Windows xp) i get a little box saying Load dll error, then it says
C:\ProgramFiles\RALINK\Common\RaWLAPI.dll

Did you manage to sort that out yet?

[granshaz]

Hi jojo, not sure why they put restrictions on it (i bought it from pc world and paid £90 for them to set it up for me) but if i can do same job through ccleaner then its fine. As for my original query, not got it sorted it still displays the box when my computer loads.

[jojo]

PC World does that I'm afraid. I have known PC World bundles which began acting up, especially making internet connection very slow. Stuff pu in by PC World, intended as special offers, was never deleted and either expired or became obsolete.

Have a good look at the list of installed programs, in Ccleaner and see if there are any there, previously installed by PC World, which you don't need. If you're not sure, leave a note here.

I have recently be using this to good effect: www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/iobit_uninstaller.html

But do be sure before you delete stuff you don't recognise. If it's listed in Ccleaner uninstall and you don't need it, it's usually safe to remove. But if you're not sure, check.

[granshaz]

Hi jojo, quick reply is very jerky on my comp. i somehow updated chrome, don't like i,

[jojo]

I dumped Chrome a while ago. Can't recall the reasons by they were along those lines. I use Firefox now. Depending on how much effort you want to put in, it's excellent. But I think we could have a separate thread on Firefox to be honest.

The reason your computer is jerky is almost certainly because you need to do a general update of your drivers, the video drivers, especially. Provided you only turned off the services suggested on 16 Jan, there should be no problems there.

I will strongly suggest you start by removing all the existing drivers you have. This was recommended to me by another member here, mikkh. Everything I know I've learnt from him or using his methods of enquiry. He knows his stuff.

Download and use this utility. www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/display_driver_uninstaller.html

Stick to the recommended settings and you will end up with a screen that is chucky, and very slow. Don't worry, once you've done this, run the driver install utility

To update your video drivers, it is generally easiest to use an updating tool. For anything like that I generally start at Major Geeks, simply because their reputation is so good.

They are currently recommending Slim Drivers and IOBit Driver Booster.

I have used Slim Drivers in the past. It is recommended by Microsoft. I did find it was reluctant to update sometimes, especially with NVIDIA.

IOBit. I use IOBit's uninstaller, it is very good. I'd suggest IOBit Driver Booster personally.

Remember, when you install any utility, look carefully at each installing screen to check they are not offering you anything else. Always look for the means of rejection. Usually removing a preticked box, but may mean clicking a feint tab labelled No Thanks. Even M$ is doing this now.

www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/slimdrivers.html

www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/iobit_driver_booster.html

I realise it's frustrating. But don't loose heart.

[jojo]

Just used the IOBit Driver Booster.

As expected, it did offer a free trial of their 'Pro Version' on the final installation screen. Remove tick all well.

I ran it and pleased to say it located and installed an update for my NVIDIA card not problems at all. There appears to be a box in the bottom RH corner of the panel offering to activate. I assume this is an offer to buy their Pro version. Ignore that.

I have to say, I'm impressed.

Please get back and say how you are getting on.

Remember, download and install the uninstaller and the driver booster, (updater).

Uninstall following all instructions.

Run the installer and updater.

Rell us how you get on.

[granshaz]

Hi jojo, i've read through your posting and i don't think i'm up to it, i will try and get someone to do it for me, i will let you know how i get on. Thank you.

[jojo]

Understand.

You do need to update those drivers. Best of luck with everything.

Remember, we are always here though.