Runtime Error 216 from Explorer and IE6

[gerry_frew]

I came across an archived thread (t-131975) referring to the above error but relating to a 3rd-party package (Real French) and I was interested as I've been experiencing a similar problem with Windows Explorer and IE6. On closing an Explorer or IE6 window, both report a memory access exception followed by a "Runtime error 216 at ".

I've recently had some problems with PSGuard spyware which I resolved by removing SP2, carrying out a repair install from CD and installing SP1A, then running a combination of various anti-spyware programs. All of these (Ad-Aware, Spybot, Ewido, Trojan Hunter, CWShredder) report the system as clean, as does McAfee Anti Virus v8. (BTW, all have the latest signatures), so Microsoft's assertion that it's down to the Subseven trojan may be correct, but I doubt it (and they don't give any other suggestions whatsoever).

A couple of ponts of note: it doesn't happen in safe mode; and if I create a new account it still happens only now when Explorer or IE6 is launched (although it doesn't crash Explorer/IE6 as might be expected with an exception).

My system is a Dell 4600 Dimension with 2.6GHz CPU, 512GB RAM, 80GB IDE drive, DVD reader, DVD reader/CD writer, not LAN networked and USB ADSL modem.

Any suggestions would certainly be appreciated.

Regards, Gerry

[Stryker]

Hi gerry, and welcome to PC Mech!

Have you seen this article from the MS Knowledge Base?
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/189989/EN-US/

It would appear that it's possible a mouse driver is causing the issue as well. This would explain why it doesn't occur in safe mode, as the driver probably isn't loaded.

Hope this helps out a bit,
Stryker

[gerry_frew]

Many thanks for that, but I'm not, to my knowledge at least, using that driver. I will check though and report back. Unfortunately, the machine's at home and I'm at work right now so it'll have to wait. I take your point though about it probably being down to a driver if it's not happening in safe mode...food for thought.

Regards, Gerry