Windows ME .DLL problem.

[Penguin]

I have a problem. I loaded Solidworks and I keep getting this erro.

Solidworks has caused an error in MFC42.DLL
Solidworks will no close.

Now I have removed and reinstalled the software numerous times. Still can't get it to work.

A little background. The first time I installed the software, my antivirus software ( Norton ) was running. During the install, Norton said that something was trying to acess or write to this same file ( MFC42.DLL ) I think one of the responses that I just click on was to let this happen once. The software loaded and ran fine the first time I opened the software. Since then I now get this error.

Could this be a Windows ME problem, or Norton SystemWorks 2003 problem. I don't think it is a Solidworks problem.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[Penguin]

Some more info. I have tried removing the software and reinstalling with the antivirus software disabled as well, and no luck.

Could the .DLL file be corrupted, or is Norton still blocking Solidworks from accessing the file. If so how can I get Norton to release the protection on the file.

[GaryRouth]

Sounds like Norton...

See if a version on mfc42.dll is in the Norton Protected Recycle Bin. I don't have Norton SystemWorks, but I took a quick glance on one of their support pages. . . If you find it, see if it will restore it for you. I would suspect Solidworks wants to use a particular version, and somehow Norton has replaced a different version.

I can't imagine that Norton has Quarantined that file, but I suppose it's possible. Seems like other programs would complain if that file was quarantined, though. Anyway - you could take a look in the Quarantined folder to see if anything's in there.

I believe mfc42.dll is used widely by many programs, so it's possible that a Repair install of IE might help - by provided a fresh copy of it from a trusted source (not tripped by SystemWorks).

You can visit the Solidworks support site, too = they don't allow non-subscribers access to their in-depth Knowledge Base. They might have an easy fix, since I imagine you're not the only one with Norton and Solidworks on the same computer.

Best of luck
. . . Gary

[Penguin]

How would I do a repair install of IE?

I am a subscribing member for Solidworks, so I will check their knowledge base?

Thanks GaryRouth

[GaryRouth]

If nothing turns up over at Solidworks, the repair IE can be done from Control Panel's Add-Remove Programs applet. You select IE, then choose the repair option. I'm not sure where MS System Information is in WinME (it's in System Tools in the Accessories folder in Win95/98), but if you can find it, from it's "Tools" menu you can select "Repair IE Tool".

An IE Service Pack download/install might do the trick too.

I was just thinking of ways to get a fresh copy of that file (you could also try checking if you can see what version is on the Solidworks installation disk, if you can find mfc42 there. If you find it, and it seems newer than the current one, you could try manually copying it over).

I'll keep my fingers crossed
. . . Gary

[Penguin]

Thanks GaryRouth,

I did some more checking, and the MFC42.DLL file is a protected windows file. You really can't do anything with it. I did find a way to replace protected Windows file from the microsoft website, but I was wondering, if it is protected, then it can't be corrupted, because the installation of SW would not be able to change the file.

I am still going to check the Solidworks website and see if what I can find.

I will post back if I can find anything.

If you or anyone else has any other suggestions they will be be appreciated.

[Penguin]

I found this on the Microsoft website.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winme

I wonder if this is my problem. I may try to work with this tonight.

I couldn't really find too much from the SoliWorks website, but I am still checking.

[GaryRouth]

Hi again

At first glance, the C++ article seems to target a different problem area for mfc42. And since I don't program in C++ (people who do make a lot more money than I do) I can't say if that shines any light for us on your error.

Were you able to compare file versions for the mfc42.dll on the Solidworks installation disk and any mfc42 files you can find with a search in Windows Explorer? Try a quick search, and see if you can plug in the most recent version where you imagine Solidworks would be looking for it (for example, if you find a copy in the Solidworks folder, try putting a newer version in there, or try putting the most recent version in whatever System folder the search finds that file in).

Seems like an IE update might do it, since I'd guess that might be a likely file to be updated with a Service Pack. ...but this is just a guess at the moment. Windows Protection shouldn't complain about a system file update arriving from Windows Update.

A rather drastic, but possibly workable, idea - would be to completely remove Norton SystemWorks just long enough to install Solidworks again. Then reinstall SystemWorks. That's a lot of coming and going, but it might work.
. . . Gary