Author Topic: Explorer.exe malfunction (Read 23526 times)

wtl1 · « **on:** May 23, 2013, 10:42:39 am »

In preparing to update a computer from XP SP3 to Windows 7, somehow Explorer.exe was corrupted/lost. The computer boots to a fancy, blank screen. The error message is:
Explorer.exe - Unable to locate component
The application has failed to start because Normaliz.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.

So ... I've been searching for a download of Explorer.exe for Windows XP SP3 and entered a labyrinth of "fixes", including this one: http://en.kioskea.net/forum/affich-526383-explorer-exe-doesn-t-start
No luck.

I can get to Task Manager, New Task, and Browse. I've connected an external hard drive that, if it had the correct version of Explorer.exe, perhaps I could run Explorer.exe from there??

Or edit the Registry? Explore.exe is in several places in the Registry. Except not where Windows needs it at Startup?

wtl1 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 23, 2013, 04:53:32 pm »

fwiw--
reached the command prompt and typed sfc /scannow

--> "Windows File Protection" window pops up that reads 'Please wait while Windows verifies that all protected Windows files are intact and in their original versions."

Ever so slowly, the popup completes its action and closes. Is this a 'scannow' in disguise?

In any case, reboot shows it didn't work.

Shane · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2013, 05:38:23 pm »

You can try this
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=174077

explorer.exe isnt missing, Normaliz.dll is.

Also make sure to check the drive for bad sectors just to be safe

Shane

wtl1 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2013, 06:36:14 pm »

Thanks much. That error message is gone. Replaced with --

Explorer.exe -- Entry Point Not Found
The procedure entry point kernel32.IdnToAscii could not be located in the dynamic link library Normaliz.dll

Went here http://www.errorsfixer.org/windows.php?seed=Procedure-Entry-Point
No help.

Can't get past the 'procedure entry point' error. "Obviously" a registry problem.

I used CCleaner to 'repair' registry 'errors' before this mess happened. May be the culprit. Fwtw

wtl1 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 23, 2013, 07:28:57 pm »

Will a Windows 7 install (from a disk I ordered) circumvent this mess and/or repair the registry?

Rick · « **Reply #5 on:** May 24, 2013, 05:53:00 am »

Quote from: wtl1 on May 23, 2013, 10:42:39 am

In preparing to update a computer from XP SP3 to Windows 7, somehow Explorer.exe was corrupted/lost. The computer boots to a fancy, blank screen. The error message is:
Explorer.exe - Unable to locate component
The application has failed to start because Normaliz.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem.

So ... I've been searching for a download of Explorer.exe for Windows XP SP3 and entered a labyrinth of "fixes", including this one: http://en.kioskea.net/forum/affich-526383-explorer-exe-doesn-t-start
No luck.

I can get to Task Manager, New Task, and Browse. I've connected an external hard drive that, if it had the correct version of Explorer.exe, perhaps I could run Explorer.exe from there??

Or edit the Registry? Explore.exe is in several places in the Registry. Except not where Windows needs it at Startup?

I remember this error well; I fixed it by copying that driver to the windows system folder, but make sure you have the right version, as I remember, ther were other drivers I needed to copy as well.

wtl1 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 24, 2013, 09:54:03 am »

Thanks. Glad I'm not blazing new territory.

What do you mean by 'that driver'? (The error message pertains to Normaliz.dll.)

And by windows system folder, you mean C:/windows/system32. Correct?

Shane · « **Reply #7 on:** May 24, 2013, 12:04:14 pm »

You can get a Windows 7 disk from here if you need it
https://sites.google.com/site/linuxlablibrary/windows-iso

What you need to do is simply put the Normaliz.dll back into the system32 folder. But you need the correct version.

Is the system still XP or is Windows 7 now?

If it is XP with SP3 I can grab the file from my XP image, if it is Windows 7 I can grab it off my system for you.

Shane

wtl1 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 24, 2013, 12:37:17 pm »

It's still XP.

This will be phun. Thanks.

Shane · « **Reply #9 on:** May 24, 2013, 12:44:33 pm »

OK here you go, this is from my XP SP3 system.

Version 6.0.5441.0

Shane

wtl1 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 24, 2013, 05:39:45 pm »

Success!

My Windows XP is restored just in time for the Windows 7 upgrade.

You are Super Geek

Forget Microsoft tech support forums and Google searches. This is the place to solve computer problems.

Shane · « **Reply #11 on:** May 24, 2013, 06:41:33 pm »

Glad your all fixed up

Since your all set I will lock this thread

And as always...
If your happy with my work. Then all I ask in return is you simply let others know about my site and programs. I help with anything computer or network related

Also always feel free to make a post in the feedback forum.
And a facebook like at the top of the page of my site is nice as well.

Shane