(cache) Kernel32.dll Error Troubleshooting

Free Tips Tricks and Tweaks...and much more!

5 Star Support - Free Computer Help and Technical Support

Kernel32.DLL Error Troubleshooting

The Kernel32.dll file handles memory management, input/output operations, and interrupts. When you start Windows, Kernel32.dll is loaded into a protected memory space so that other programs do not take over that memory space.

On occasion, you may receive an invalid page fault (IPF) error message. This error message occurs when a program tries to access the Kernel32.dll protected memory space. Occasionally, the error message is caused by one particular program, and other times the error message is provoked by multiple files and programs.

If the problem results from running one program, the program needs to be replaced. If the problem occurs when you access multiple files and programs, the damage is likely caused by damaged hardware.

You may want to clean boot the computer to help you identify the particular third-party memory-resident software. Note that programs that are not memory-resident can also cause IPF error messages.

The following conditions can cause Kernel32.dll error messages:

Damaged swap file
File allocation damage
Damaged password list
Damaged or incorrect version of the Kernel32.dll file
Damaged registry
Hardware, hot CPU, over clocking, broken power supply, RF noise, ground bounce, or bad hard disk controller
BIOS settings for Wait states, RAM timing, or other BIOS settings
Third-party software that is damaged or incorrectly installed
.dll files that are saved to the desktop
Non-existent or broken Temp folder
A control panel (.cpl) file is damaged
Incorrect or damaged hardware driver
Incorrectly installed printer drivers or HP Jetadmin drivers
Damaged Java Machine
Damaged .log files
Damaged entries in the History folder
Incompatible or damaged dynamic link library files
Viruses
Damaged or incorrect Msinfo32.exe file
Low disk space

More on the possible causes:

Bad memory modules:

You can test your memory modules by inserting the command: DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS /TESTMEM:ON into your Config.sys file. You can use the System Configuration Utility:

Select Start>> Run and type: msconfig [Enter]
Next, select the Config.sys tab and add the HIMEM.SYS line (above) by pressing the New button.
Windows will tell you to reboot your computer.
Watch your screen for a message; "HIMEM has detected unreliable memory at address xx:xxxxxx" which will certainly indicate that there's a memory problem.

Note: Memory problems may not immediately surface from the result of this test. It may take many reboots or even a few days for the above message to appear.

CPU, bus speed or multiplier overclocking.
Graphic acceleration set too high:

Select Control Panel > System, then select the Performance tab, click the Graphics button. Turn down Hardware acceleration by moving the slider a notch to the left, reboot, try again.

Bad or outdated drivers, especially video drivers:

Check with your card manufacturer for an updated set of drivers. Video drivers are updated constantly, it pays to have the latest release, especially if you find yourself having problems with Internet Explorer.

What to do if you have Kernel32.dll IPF ("Invalid Page Fault") error?

This error occurs when an application tries to access kernel32.dll's protected memory space. It may be one particular program or application, or multiple files and applications. Most kernel32.dll errors are NOT caused by a corruption of the kernel32.dll module.

If the error seems to arise when activating a certain program, application or device, you should try uninstalling and re-installing that program, application or device.

If you frequently receive Invalid Page Fault in Kernel32.dll Errors from different drivers (Explorer, Guide.exe, Msgsrv32, Commgr32, Mprexe and others), it is possible that a damaged password list file is the culprit. Try re-creating your password list file:

In Windows Explorer select your \Windows folder
Press F3. This will bring up the Find: All Files window
In the 'Named' box type: *.pwl
Click Find Now
When a list of found files is displayed, select Edit> Select All> Press Delete on your keyboard
Exit the Find window and restart Windows

Note: This procedure will cause you to lose all of your saved passwords. Be sure to write them down before deleting so that you can re-insert them as needed.

Back to the Top