Replacing Shell32.dll How To [Archive]

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RayH

11-02-2002, 07:00 PM

I did it before. I forgot how. When I use either Windows Explorer or My Computer to rename or delete C:\windows\system\shell32.dll, a window pops up saying I can't as the file is being used by Windows.

I have the "original" Shell32.dll extracted to a floppy. So how do I get it to my C:\Windows\System?

Thanks

GaryRouth

11-02-2002, 08:38 PM

If I'm remembering it at all, seems like you can do a clean boot to DOS with a Win98 boot disk, then use the rename command for your shell32.dll to shell32.old (to keep it around in case you want to use it again) and then copy the new from a: to c:\windows\system.

I think. . . it's been a while on that one.
. . . Gary

RayH

11-02-2002, 09:37 PM

What is the line command? I was always fuzzy on DOS.

GaryRouth

11-02-2002, 10:40 PM

Fuzzy pretty well describes my memory of it too. . . but I think it goes

A: C:
C: cd\Windows\System
C: rename Shell32.dll Shell32.old
C: copy a: Shell32.dll C:\Windows\System\

see if that works

Any DOS techs out there? Correct my grammar if I misplaced anything. (not sure about the trailing \ after "System")
. . . Gary

galaxian

11-02-2002, 11:08 PM

You should be able to replace it using SFC.

GaryRouth

11-02-2002, 11:24 PM

Hmm...forgot about sfc. . . That probably would work - that's one of the few that let you update "in use" files (requires a reboot at the end, probably)

You'd check the box "restore one file from installation disk", point to the Shell32.dll on your floppy, and it'd use the new one on reboot. (who knows, might not require a reboot)

Either way should do it. (thanks galaxian for remembering sfc)
. . . Gary

RayH

11-03-2002, 04:13 AM

SFC?

GaryRouth

11-03-2002, 04:22 AM

SFC = "System File Checker"

Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Information . . . and from the "Tools" menu, select System File Checker.

but you probably know that already, just not by the abbreviation.

. . . Gary

RayH

11-03-2002, 04:35 AM

I must have used DOS the last time. It's been a year or so since I replaced the file. I just did a Critical Update and it messed with my arrows on the icons again.

This time I used SCF. I found it with the FIND FILES. It was pretty straight forward.

I use Drive Image as my backup, so I wasn't going to do anything too off kilter that I couldn't correct. Computer re-imaged already.

Thanks for your help.

galaxian

11-03-2002, 10:41 AM

Start > Run > SFC is the fast way.

RayH

11-03-2002, 01:34 PM

Actually, it was just as fast. Now that I know, I'll just use RUN. The first time, I didn't know exactly for what I was looking.