Error Messages in Mmsystem.dll or Rundll32 (138835)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95
  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
This article was previously published under Q138835
If this article does not describe the error message that you are receiving, view the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article to view more articles that describe error messages:

315854 Windows 98 and Windows Me Error Message Resource Center

SYMPTOMS

You may receive random general protection (GP) fault error messages in Mmsystem.dll. You may also receive one of the following error messages:
Rundll32 - This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down.

Rundll - This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down.
Clicking the Details button reveals a message similar to one of the following:
RUNDLL32 caused a General Protection Fault in module MMSYSTEM.DLL

RUNDLL caused a General Protection Fault in module MMSYSTEM.DLL at 000a:00000032
This error message is more likely to occur after you use the Add New Hardware tool in Control Panel.

CAUSE

This problem can occur if the "drivers=mmsystem.dll" line is missing from the [boot] section of the System.ini file.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, follow these steps:
  1. Use any text editor (such as Notepad) to edit the System.ini file.
  2. Add the following line to the [boot] section of the file: 
    
      drivers=mmsystem.dll
  3. Save and then close the System.ini file.
  4. Restart your computer.

MORE INFORMATION

This problem can occur when the System.ini file has been replaced with the System.cb file.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/16/2004
Keywords:kberrmsg kbgpf kbprb KB138835
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.