Function of the Windows 32-Bit Message Server (138708)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q138708

SUMMARY

This article describes the purpose of the Windows 32-bit message server (Msgsrv32.exe).

MORE INFORMATION

Msgsrv32.exe is a program that runs invisibly on the Windows desktop and performs several background functions necessary for Windows operation. These functions include:
  • Mediate Plug and Play messages among various parts of the operating system.
  • Coordinate automatic responses to Setup programs. This includes checking whether a Setup program has improperly overwritten Windows files, and optionally restoring the Windows versions of those files.
  • Display the initial logon dialog box if networking is enabled.
  • Play the system startup and shutdown sounds.
  • Load installable Windows drivers at startup and unload them at shutdown.
  • Run the shell program (usually Explorer.exe) and re-run the shell if it fails to respond.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/16/2004
Keywords:kbinfo KB138708
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