Receive Win32sys.exe Error Messages When You Start Your Computer (236772)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
This article was previously published under Q236772

SYMPTOMS

When you start your computer, you may receive one of the following error messages:
  • Cannot find the file "Win32sys.exe" or one of its components. Make sure the path and file name are correct.
    WIN32SYS.EXE cannot be located
    Could not load or run Win32sys.exe
    A specified file in your win.ini could not be found


Also, these error messages have been noted:

waol caused an invalid page fault in module kernel32.dll
waol caused an invalid page fault in module wsock32.dll when trying to connect to aol.

CAUSE

This issue can occur for either of the following reasons:
  • The Win32sys.exe program is referenced in the Win.ini file but does not exist on your computer.
  • Your computer has a virus disguised as the Win32sys.exe file.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, scan your computer for viruses, removing them if found, and then use the Microsoft System Configuration Utility to disable the Win32sys.exe line in the Win.ini file:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type sysedit, and then click OK.
  2. On the Window menu, click Win.ini.
  3. On the Search menu, click Find, type win32sys.exe, and then click Next.
  4. Place a semicolon character (;) at the beginning of the line that contains "win32sys.exe."
  5. On the File menu, click Save, and then click Exit on the File menu.
  6. Restart your computer.

MORE INFORMATION

The following are reports you may receive from various virus checking programs:
  • Norton Anti Virus identified C:\Windows\Win32SYS.EXE as being infected with the Bloodhound.AOLPWS Virus.
  • Dr Solomon identified C:\Windows\Win32SYS.EXE as being infected with the Trojan.gen virus, but could not clean it.
  • McAfee virus scan detected the virus in the win32sys.exe file and tried to clean it, but could not so it was deleted.
  • The C:\Windows\WIN32SYS.EXE file was identified as being infected with the PWSTEAL.Trojan (21) virus and was unable to be repaired.
The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/6/2005
Keywords:kb3rdparty kberrmsg kbprb kbui KB236772
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