The Error Message "Explorer Caused an Invalid Page Fault in Module Unknown" Is Displayed When Starting Windows (298343)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98
This article was previously published under Q298343
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

After you upgrade Internet Explorer, when you attempt to restart the computer you may receive an error message similar to one of the following errors:
Explorer caused an Invalid Page Fault in Module <unknown>
-or-
The Comctl32.dll file cannot start.
Check the file to determine the problem.
You are unable to start Windows. This behavior may also occur in Safe mode.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs when the Comctl32.dll file is damaged or is from an incorrect version of Internet Explorer.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, replace the Comctl32.dll file. To do this, perform the following steps:
  1. Insert the Windows 98 Startup disk in the floppy disk drive, and then restart your computer.
  2. When the Windows 98 Startup menu is displayed, click the Start computer with CD-ROM support option, and then press ENTER.
  3. If CD-ROM support is provided by the generic drivers on the Startup disk, you receive one of the following messages, where cd-rom is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive:
    • Drive cd-rom: = Driver MSCD001
    • Drive cd-rom: = Driver OEMCD001
    NOTE: If your CD-ROM drive is not available after you start from the Windows 98 Startup disk, install the CD-ROM drivers that are included with your CD-ROM drive. For information about how to obtain and install the most current driver for your CD-ROM drive, view the documentation that is included with your device, or contact your hardware manufacturer.
  4. Type the following commands, and press ENTER after each command:

    c:
    cd\windows\system
    ren comctl32.dll Comctl32.old

  5. Type Ext, and then press ENTER.
  6. When you receive the prompt, "Please enter the path to the Windows CAB files (a:)", type the following line, and then press ENTER

    drive:\win98

    where drive is the drive letter that you recorded in step 3. NOTE: If you have an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) installation of Windows, the CAB files may also be located in the following folder:

    C:\Windows\Options\Cabs

  7. At the prompt, "Please enter the name(s) of the files(s) you want to extract", type comctl32.dll, and then press ENTER.
  8. At the prompt, "Please enter the path to extract to ("Enter" for current directory)", type C:\Windows\System, and then press ENTER.
  9. At the prompt, "Is this okay? (y/n)", type Y, and then press ENTER.

    The file is then extracted. For additional information about how to use the Extract tool, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    129605 How to Extract Original Compressed Windows Files

  10. Remove the Windows 98 Startup disk and restart the computer.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about errors starting Windows, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

249191 Blank Desktop or Illegal Operations Error Message After You Install Internet Explorer

NOTE: Diamond InControl Tools and Diamond Monster Fusion Drivers can also replace the Comctl32.dll file.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/20/2004
Keywords:kberrmsg kbInvalidPageFault kbprb KB298343
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