Computer Question... Missing .dll files? HELP!!

Factual Questions
1

I’ve been searching all day (and trying to reach my friend/computer guru) with no success. I now humbly turn to you. Please help, I have to get some work done tonight…

To start, I have Windows 98. I recently did a Windows update (Tools/Windows Update, in IE). This included IE 6.0. I clicked to have Windows periodically check my system for further updates.

Yesterday, I developed BIG problems. After Sign-on, Several messages pop up & pile on top of each other…

First one = “A required .dll file, c:\Windows\system\OLEAUT32.dll was not found.”

Next = VSUTIL.dll, OLEAUT32.dll, URLMON.dll, DEVCON32.dll, & NEWDOT~3.dll (all not found).

After I click ‘OK’ to each message…

  1. Simple pgms (Like Word) work fine.

  2. Internet Explorer opens, but just sits idle and blank (No errors).

  3. Outlook says it needs to be re-installed.

  4. My Real Estate Software says it’s missing a .dll file also.
    Do I need to re-install Windows 98? ‘Help me, teaming millions, you’re my only hope!!!’ Thanks in advance & Best Wishes - JC

2

You can find some of them here…

http://dllstar.hypermart.net/

3

Thanks Reeder.

Do you suggest simply downloading the missing files to disk using my roomate’s computer & Putting them in as needed?

4

Did this start immediately after the update or are they simply close in time ?

if the answer is “immediately” Use control panel > add/remove to un-install the IE 6.0 and other updates and then re-install them.

5

Good question. I did the updates about 2 weeks ago with no problems until now. Thanks again for the help. Stil no luck.

6

you can use the system file checker to try to reextract the .dll files

to run it type in sfc under the run menu…choose to extract a file, and put in your windows 98 cd

you can also try reinstalling assoicated applications…if IE and outlook express are not working properly try reinstalling those. (or uninstalling the update)

7

Tried removing IE6 (it asked me if I wanted to revert to the old version)… I said yes. Now, same problem, but there is nothing in the Control Panel or ‘My Computer’. Do I need to reinstall Win 98? If so, What should I save first? Thanks again for any & all responses…

8

I would do what the person said above & what I would suggest.

In the RUN box type:

SFC

Hit return & follow what it says. I would try this first. as its for W98.

9

If you have a typical Windows 98 installation, you can re-install Windows from the compressed CAB files in your Windows/Options/CABS directory. Just double-click the setup program in that directory. This will just re-install Windows, there’s no hard drive formatting involved. The Setup program will also run in Safe Mode and even in DOS if your copy of Windows is really messed up.

Internet Explorer also has a repair option. Go to the control panel and select Add/Remove programs. Find ‘Microsoft Internet Explorer’ and click ‘Add/Remove’ An additional window will pop up giving you the option of either adding new components or repairing the installation.

10

I used my WIn98 disk to uninstall/re-install the particular components that I use. Seems to be an improvement, but still get a message that 1 dll file is missing (VSUTIL.dll).

My internet works now (and I did another Windows update). However, my e-mail (Outlook, not Outlook Express) is not working. It gives an error that a certain Version of Outlook Express is needed for Outlook to work. I am about to re-install IE6 in the hopes that that fixes it.

Thanks again for your help all! - JC

11

I think VSUTIL.dll is related to ZoneAlarm. Here are some search results from Google Newsgroup that might help. :slight_smile:

12

Did you search your HD for VSUTIL.dll ? Might be there already but not the path to it.