Laptop rundll error / reformating question

[CHUCK LIDELOL]

After downloading 'cracked' programs (a dock program) I think I've fucked me fucking laptop. Got lots of warning from Avast! when tried to remove Object Dock Plus, which was annoying, but a system check and restart solved that in the short term.

However, just there, I restarted the lapster and I got an alarming wee pop up when I logged back on, it said Windows host process (Rundll32) has stopped working. I think this is pretty bad? Anywa, I clicked close. Then restarted but I couldn't log on properly, restart > Safe Mode. I can get on on Safe mode but, fuck that. Two more restarts (log-off, restart) and I can log on properly now, except I've still got this annoying Rundll message.

I'm thinking, how do I fix this? How do I re-format my laptop? Been ages since I reformatted anything, I might do it tomorrow. Before I do, will I get asked for a key or anything for Vista Basic? It came with the laptop, don't see any key on it... Please post legit help here, I'll check in the morn.

Ta.

[doogie]

You will be asked for a key if you reformat it - should be on a sticker on the bottom of the lappy, might be in paperwork and discs that you got with it, but it should be there. If you don't have it then you're stuck with a lot of hassle to get around the activation etc - might be worth speaking to wherever you bought it from to see if they can help you.

The other alternative is to get removal software and run it in safe mode, which should fix most things, but depends exactly what you had and what it did.

[CHUCK LIDELOL]

I can run in safe mode. What do you recommend I do from there?

I have a wee sticker on my laptop aye, I reckon that's the activation key. How exactly do I reformat? Any advice or tips before I attempt this?

[CHUCK LIDELOL]

Also, I don't have a Vista DVD/CD, physically. Is reformatting out the window then?

[purkle]

What make of pc is it? Most of them have a built in partition to reformat it.
Acer "alt + f10" at start
Hp/ Compaq "f11"
Fujitsu "f8" (i think)
unless you have recovery discs, then you just need to change the boot order to boot from dic and whap them in.

[triggerhappy]

You don't need to reformat.

Did Object Dock uninstall properly? Does it still show up in the add/remove programs list?

If you reckon it did then it could be being caused by something else and the OD installation is just coincidental, then try this (I am way too tired to type this out, so I Googled someone else's instructions):

Type msconfig in Vista's search box and hit enter to open up the System Configuration Utility window.

Click on Services, and check in the "Hide all Microsoft services" checkbox

Click on "Disable All" button.

Now click on "Startup" tab, and then click on "Disable All" button again.

Press OK button and then "Restart" button on the following window.

Effectively, you have turned off all non-microsoft services and startups.

If the issue is resolved, open System Configuration Windows again and then enable all the services from Services tab and then check the issue after restarting the computer in the same way as mentioned above.

This way, you will have to enable/disable services and startups to narrow down on the culprit. Agreed, this is a lengthy and painfully boring process, but it will help you identify the culprit.

If you're not fussed about keeping your data and can't be arsed to fiddle about, then a reformat may be the easiest option, but you'll struggle without having a physical Windows disk. Borrow or torrent.

ETA: or if you have a recovery partition do that, but I'd still leave it as a last option to figuring out what is causing the problem in the first place.

[CHUCK LIDELOL]

I'll try that, Laura, cheers. I'm certain it was the Object Dock Plus install; I downloaded from isohunt without checking it out properly; it wont uninstall; the timing. It's a laptop, on My Computer it has a recovery drive. What's that for?

[purkle]

What make is it?

[CHUCK LIDELOL]

Compaq.

Tried what the paste said, disabled all non MS stuff and restared; Userinit Logon Application failed (closed it). Switched off, left for a moment, tried again, started up but I still get the Rundll32 error dialogue. Also, when I try to open up Control Panel I get an error saying Control Panel has basically crashed. Help!

[doogie]

Without knowing what exactly it did, it's hard to say what's best, and I've not had to fix machines like this for a long time so things have changed. Did you not have any anti virus stuff running?

The problem is, if your machine is compromised, even trying to download anti virus and anti spyware stuff might result in you getting redirected to something dodgy, so you'd have to download on another machine and take it over on a usb or optical disc.

Personally I like Avast - make sure it's the free one you're getting, for anti virus, and Spybot Search & Destroy for spyware.

Having a quick google about your specific problem..... you haven't recently installed Nero have you?

Another suggestion on a Technet thread for this problem:-

Try running SFC /SCANNOW that finds and fixes all sort of System File Corruption in OS.



1. Click on Start (Pearl)

2. Click on All Programs

3. Click on Accessories

4. Right click on Command Prompt

5. Click on Run as Administrator (It will open the black Command Prompt window)

6. Type the command: SFC /SCANNOW

7. Press the ENTER key.



This scan might take some time to finish.

[purkle]

Stupid question maybe, but did you do a recent windows update? A few people recently are having problems after one. Mostly dvd drives not working (which you just need to change a few files). Tried a wee restore just incase?
Compaq format is f11 providing your laptops not too old....lot of people dont like this option as wipes everything. I like it :o)

[CHUCK LIDELOL]

Cheers guys. Had a look throughy manuel and the f11 restore will do the trick, as the laptop is 6 weeks old. Will do that tonight. Looking forward to it.

Fuckin object dock!

[doogie]

Cheers guys. Had a look throughy manuel and the f11 restore will do the trick, as the laptop is 6 weeks old. Will do that tonight. Looking forward to it.

Fuckin object dock!

Cool, if it's not got much stuff on then it's the least hassle way of fixing it!

And not fuckin object dock.... downloading dodgy copies of things without a rubber on is the lesson to be learned here!

[CHUCK LIDELOL]

Cheers for the help dudes, reformatted within like an hour last night. All systems are go now

[triggerhappy]

Glad you got it sorted. Be a bit more careful next time