We are running a Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and during the startup there is an error showing rundll32.exe-Application Error. "The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000142). Click OK to terminate the application" but when you click OK; it does not terminate the application and this error is permanently visible on the screen. Please advise.

1. What applications are installaled on this server? 2. What configurations or changes have you done before this problem had occured? 3. Here are KB related to this problem http://support.microsoft.com/kb/272142 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823659 Regards Milos

Dear Milos, We are running a signaling gateway and I do not own the equipment so I wouldn't be able to tell you what changes or configurations were made to the OS, but rather I would say we do not touch the OS; we just use our Maintenance program to maintain this gateway. The links you have provided seem to indicate user account problem, but there is no problem with that it seems, as I am able to login in as usual and I am able to do everything normally, it is just that the "error" keeps popping up and the process tray is filled with "run32dll.exe" processes. Do you know of a solution? Thank you for your earlier reply.

The rundll32.exe Application error is not a direct error. There could be several different reasons such as Corrupt rundll32.exe file, Corrupt DLL file for some application, Corrupt Registry values and even Virus infection. Here are few things which you can try... If it is corrupt rundll32.exe then run sfc /scannow from command prompt and insert OS CD if needed to replace the original file. If it is corrupt DLL file from application, then re-install the application; most of the times it works. In case of corrupt registry entries, try running some registry cleaners such as Ccleaner etc... In case of virus or malware infection, update OS patches and AV definitions; run complete system scan. ~Santosh

Dear Santosh, Thank you for your earlier reply. But it seems I am unable to run the command prompt to check sfc /scannow; it is conclusively to say there is something corrupt or do you think its more likely because of a virus?

Hi, this can be relted to a Virus infection as well. You can boot the server in Safe mode and get the Virus scan to check for any viruses. Make sure that the Virus scan is updated to the current date. Thamara. MCTS, MCITP Ent Admin, Specialized in U.C Voice OCS 2007 R2

Agree with Thamara. There could be a Virus infection on Server. Download and run CaSIR v4.0 - Common and Stubborn Infections Remover to fix command prompt. ( Pls DO NOT run CaSIR in Safe Mode ) http://www.sergiwa.com/modules/mydownloads/singlefile.php?cid=2&lid=6~Santosh

Hi, this can be relted to a Virus infection as well. You can boot the server in Safe mode and get the Virus scan to check for any viruses. Make sure that the Virus scan is updated to the current date. Thamara. MCTS, MCITP Ent Admin, Specialized in U.C Voice OCS 2007 R2