Shell32.dll Missing

[H3llsAnG3l]

Hey guys..

Been a while since Ive posted. But Ive come across a problem with my sister's laptop. When even she boots up she gets an error saying that shell32.dll is missing and she can not log on. I had her start run a windows repair, but she can not remember what the administrator password is to do it.

Is there anyway to download or copy a shell32.dll to use long enough for her to back up her files so we can do a fresh install of windows? Ive searched online for a download but I don't trust anything.

What do you guys think?

Oh its windows xp pro and I don't have physical access to the computer I'd have to tell her how to do it over the phone.

Thanks,
H3lls

[chuck4456]

Originally Posted by H3llsAnG3l Hey guys.. Been a while since Ive posted. But Ive come across a problem with my sister's laptop. When even she boots up she gets an error saying that shell32.dll is missing and she can not log on. I had her start run a windows repair, but she can not remember what the administrator password is to do it. Is there anyway to download or copy a shell32.dll to use long enough for her to back up her files so we can do a fresh install of windows? Ive searched online for a download but I don't trust anything. What do you guys think? Oh its windows xp pro and I don't have physical access to the computer I'd have to tell her how to do it over the phone. Thanks, H3lls

What manufacturer?
What model?
Did she try a repair with a reinstallation disc?
Because that usually won't work.
Give us some specifics.
Thanx.

[H3llsAnG3l]

Sorry.

Its a dell inspiron something. We did try the reinstallation CD but we could not get past the administrator password because she could not remember what it was.

What about shrinking the windows partition in order to install windows so she can back up her files and then reformat it completely and do a clean install afterwards?

Im going to have her try and boot into safemode tomorrow, hopefully she has a restore point she can try and get to work.

Any ideas?

Let me know if you need more information.

Thanks,
H3lls

[glc]

The hard drive needs to be removed and connected to a working computer with a USB adapter to recover the files. Then she can reinstall the drive and use Symantec Restore to reload the machine to factory condition. Press Ctrl+F11 on startup.

The default administrator password on a Dell should be nothing - if asked for it, just press enter.