At one time or another we’ve all done it – looked in the Task Manager to close a frozen program or try to figure out what’s going on with our computer and discovered all of the various processes that are running. Even with the computer appears to be idle, there are processes running- it’s enough to make you think Big Brother is keeping tabs on you. So what’s with all of the rundll32.exe processes anyhow?

Rundll32.exe Basics:  What is it?

You’ve probably come across any number of different file types when using Windows. One of those types that appear in virtually every application is the .dll, or Dynamic Link Library, file. These files store application logic, and they are used by different applications. It's a library because it's a resource to different programs running on your PC, each of which may be able to access a library as needed.  Since they're only accessed when they're called for, the system saves energy and memory.  Unfortunately for the .dll files, they can’t be launched directly, and instead have to rely on the rundll.32 process to make them functional.

So that's what it is.  It's a program that is executable, hence the .exe ending.  It runs automatically on startup, and during the course of your using the computer, it accesses a given .dll as requested by a given program.  Without it, programs that rely in their libraries to store extra data can't function right.  What happens when the rundll.exe can't find or open the requested library?  You get a rundll error.

These errors are common because there are thousands and thousands of dlls out there. Any number of these could have a problem that translated as an error for you when rundll doesn't open it.

I am by no means a computer expert, although I married one. Unfortunately for me and the computers at home, my personal computer expert works twelve hour days more often than not so I’m stuck deciphering the more technical sites to get the computers up and running again while he’s away. It’s nothing short of amazing how much you can figure out in an afternoon when a printable coupon or coloring page emergency strikes.

The Run DLL Error

In the case of the RunDLL Error, a critical file (the rundll file) is missing or corrupted on your machine. Unfortunately, this is likely due to a virus or spyware. Fortunately, you can resolve the error by cleaning your computer and ridding yourself of the pesky malware causing the problem in the first place.

Step 1: Identify the problem.

Fortunately for those of us who can boast only moderate technical skills, Windows does a nice job telling us when something is wrong.

When it comes to using your PC, everyone wants theirs to be at its most efficient and operating without any glitches. Sometimes we encounter software, programs, or files that are corrupt and illegitimate. It’s important to know what type of file you’re dealing with before you download it to your computer. With the Rundll32.exe file, you need to determine whether or not it’s safe on your computer. Is it legit or is it Spyware? Let’s discuss what the Rundll32.exe file is, and how you can find out if your PC is safe.