Can't run "Control Panel/Add Hardware"

[BDT]

I'm trying to install a web cam on a Compaq PC and Plug-and-Play has failed
to install 3 different cameras that I have tried. They install fine on
another XP machine that I have so it's not a camera problem.

If I try the Add Hardware option in the Control Panel, an error message
opens up which says:

An exception occurred while trying to run c:\windows\system32\Shell32.dll,
Control _RunDll
c:\windows\system32\hdwwiz.cpl, Add Hardware

I have gone to the Start/Run menu and entered hdwwiz.cpl in but I get the
same error.

I also deleted the hdwwiz.cpl file and Windows recreated it like it's
supposed to but even after rebooting, I got the same error message.

Since it is a Compaq PC, I don't have a Windows CD to load the file using:

expand -r E:\i386\wscui.cp_ C:\Windows\System32\

I have checked several other cpl files such as Add/Remove Software and they
all seem to start and run normally.

I'm running Windows XP Home on an Athlon XP 3800 (as I recall-can't get to
that PC at the moment)

I have to assume the Add Hardware problem is the reason that the cameras
won't install. I really don't want to restore my HDD to it's initial
configuration. Has anyone come across anything like this?

Any ideas about repairing the Add Hardware functionality? If there is a
better or more appropriate forum for this issue, please advise.

many thanks.

 

[Rich Barry]

Rt click MyComputer>select Manage>Services and
Applications>Services. Check to see if Plug and Play is started. Is your
other computer the same type or newer?
You could also look in the Bios for any settings that should
be enabled.

 

[Jose]

I'm trying to install a web cam on a Compaq PC and Plug-and-Play has failed
to install 3 different cameras that I have tried.  They install fine on
another XP machine that I have so it's not a camera problem.

If I try the Add  Hardware option in the Control Panel, an error message
opens up  which says:

An exception occurred while trying to run c:\windows\system32\Shell32.dll,
Control _RunDll
c:\windows\system32\hdwwiz.cpl, Add Hardware

I have gone to the Start/Run menu and entered hdwwiz.cpl in but I get the
same error.

I also deleted the hdwwiz.cpl file and Windows recreated it like it's
supposed to but even after rebooting, I got  the same error message.

Since it is a Compaq PC, I don't  have a Windows CD to load the file using:

expand -r E:\i386\wscui.cp_ C:\Windows\System32\

I have checked several other cpl files such as Add/Remove Software and they
all seem to start and run normally.

I'm running Windows XP Home on an Athlon XP 3800 (as I recall-can't get to
that PC at the moment)

I have to assume the Add Hardware problem is the reason that the cameras
won't install.  I really don't want to restore my HDD to it's initial
configuration.  Has anyone come across anything like this?  

Any ideas about repairing the Add Hardware functionality?  If there is a
better or more appropriate forum for this issue, please advise.

many thanks.

If you ever think you are missing any Windows installation files,
Search your HDD for them first. They may not be where they are
supposed" to be, but chances are you will find copies in other Windows
folders from the original installation or Service Packs. Some may be
old, so go with the one that has the most recent date.

I don't know of the Add Harware wizard is your camera problem or not,
but the Wizard should start.

You cannot just run "hdwwiz.cpl" from the Start, Run (unless you want
an error).

All the Control Panel programs start with the "control.exe" program
and then a .CPL (Control Panel) extension file as a runtime argument.
Here is one of many lists for popular ones: http://vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/control.htm

Most of the .CPL files need to be in the c:\windows\system32 folder.
If it is missing that is a problem - it should not be missing. Search
for one and you will find several. Copy the latest one and try
again. If you can't find it anywhere (unlikey), copy it from a
working machine using a USB drive or floppy.

You will probably be suggested to run sfc /scannow but don't do that
yet. You don't know what the problem is.

To test your Control Panel mechanism try some of the other .CPL files,
click Start, Run and enter:

control main.cpl for mouse properties
control timedate.cpl for time date properties

For the Add Hardware Wizard:

control hdwwiz.cpl

Verify your mechanism works and the problem is just with hdwwiz.cpl.
Then fix the hdwwiz.cpl problem.

Report specific errors with Start, Run, control hdwwiz.cpl (or others
that do not work).

 

[Jose]

I'm trying to install a web cam on a Compaq PC and Plug-and-Play has failed
to install 3 different cameras that I have tried.  They install fine on
another XP machine that I have so it's not a camera problem.

If I try the Add  Hardware option in the Control Panel, an error message
opens up  which says:

An exception occurred while trying to run c:\windows\system32\Shell32.dll,
Control _RunDll
c:\windows\system32\hdwwiz.cpl, Add Hardware

I have gone to the Start/Run menu and entered hdwwiz.cpl in but I get the
same error.

I also deleted the hdwwiz.cpl file and Windows recreated it like it's
supposed to but even after rebooting, I got  the same error message.

Since it is a Compaq PC, I don't  have a Windows CD to load the file using:

expand -r E:\i386\wscui.cp_ C:\Windows\System32\

I have checked several other cpl files such as Add/Remove Software and they
all seem to start and run normally.

I'm running Windows XP Home on an Athlon XP 3800 (as I recall-can't get to
that PC at the moment)

I have to assume the Add Hardware problem is the reason that the cameras
won't install.  I really don't want to restore my HDD to it's initial
configuration.  Has anyone come across anything like this?  

Any ideas about repairing the Add Hardware functionality?  If there is a
better or more appropriate forum for this issue, please advise.

many thanks.

Oh yeah - if you delete one of the .CPL files from system32 Windows
File Protection will replace it with it's "copy" from the dllcache
folder like you demonstrated, so that part is working! Many Windows
files fall into this category,

 

[Jose]

I'm trying to install a web cam on a Compaq PC and Plug-and-Play has failed
to install 3 different cameras that I have tried.  They install fine on
another XP machine that I have so it's not a camera problem.

If I try the Add  Hardware option in the Control Panel, an error message
opens up  which says:

An exception occurred while trying to run c:\windows\system32\Shell32.dll,
Control _RunDll
c:\windows\system32\hdwwiz.cpl, Add Hardware

I have gone to the Start/Run menu and entered hdwwiz.cpl in but I get the
same error.

I also deleted the hdwwiz.cpl file and Windows recreated it like it's
supposed to but even after rebooting, I got  the same error message.

Since it is a Compaq PC, I don't  have a Windows CD to load the file using:

expand -r E:\i386\wscui.cp_ C:\Windows\System32\

I have checked several other cpl files such as Add/Remove Software and they
all seem to start and run normally.

I'm running Windows XP Home on an Athlon XP 3800 (as I recall-can't get to
that PC at the moment)

I have to assume the Add Hardware problem is the reason that the cameras
won't install.  I really don't want to restore my HDD to it's initial
configuration.  Has anyone come across anything like this?  

Any ideas about repairing the Add Hardware functionality?  If there is a
better or more appropriate forum for this issue, please advise.

many thanks.

Forgot to mention it could be malware and didn't see your mention of
detection:

Download, install, update and do a full scan with these free malware
detection programs:

Malwarebytes (MBAM): http://malwarebytes.org/
SUPERAntiSpyware: (SAS): http://www.superantispyware.com/

They can be uninstalled later if desired.

 

[BDT]

Hi Rich,

I checked "Services" as you recommended, but everything appeared to be in
order. Under Plug and Play it showed:
Status = Started
Startup type = Automatic
Log on as = Local System

I hadn't been into the BIOS in a long time, but the only thing that I found
that looked relevant was an option for "Plug and Play OS" and it was entered
as "Yes" so I think everything is in order.

I'll keep working on it. thx

Rt click MyComputer>select Manage>Services and
Applications>Services. Check to see if Plug and Play is started. Is your
other computer the same type or newer?
You could also look in the Bios for any settings that should
be enabled.

========snip============

 

[BDT]

Hi Jose,

I've addes some answers and comments to your note below.

thx, BDT

If you ever think you are missing any Windows installation files,
Search your HDD for them first. They may not be where they are
supposed" to be, but chances are you will find copies in other Windows
folders from the original installation or Service Packs. Some may be
old, so go with the one that has the most recent date.

I don't know of the Add Harware wizard is your camera problem or not,
but the Wizard should start.

You cannot just run "hdwwiz.cpl" from the Start, Run (unless you want
an error).

BDT-I'm not sure about running hdwwiz.cpl from Start, Run. I went to the
vlaurie webpage that you mentioned below and tested the following cpl files:
access.cpl
appwiz.cpl
desk.cpl
hdwwiz.cpl
inetcpl.cpl
intl.cpl
joy.cpl
main.cpl
main.cpl,@1
mmsys.cpl
ncpa.cpl
nusrmgr.cpl
powercfg.cpl
sysdm.cpl
telephon.cpl
timedate.cpl

Everyone of them except hdwwiz.cpl and main.cpl,@1 opened up the applet(?)
if I typed it as main.cpl without the control. main.cpl,@1 WOULD open if I
typed in the 'control', but hdwwiz.cpl would not open up with or without the
'control.'

All the Control Panel programs start with the "control.exe" program
and then a .CPL (Control Panel) extension file as a runtime argument.
Here is one of many lists for popular ones: http://vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/control.htm

Most of the .CPL files need to be in the c:\windows\system32 folder.
If it is missing that is a problem - it should not be missing. Search
for one and you will find several. Copy the latest one and try
again. If you can't find it anywhere (unlikey), copy it from a
working machine using a USB drive or floppy.

BDT-I had deleted the hdwwiz.cpl from the \system32\ file and it was
automatically recreated and it still didn't work. I'm not sure what that
means unless the file that restores it was also bad. To make sure that
wasn't the case, I copied a file from another PC and copied it into the
\system32\ directory, but "Add Hardware" still won't open.

You will probably be suggested to run sfc /scannow but don't do that
yet. You don't know what the problem is.

BDT-
Don't have an install disc for XP so I don't think I can run this anyway.
This Compaq PC only comes with a Restore Disk and as I understand it, that is
basically a disc image of the original setup that can wipe out the HDD and
restore it to it's initial condition - not something that I prefer to do.

To test your Control Panel mechanism try some of the other .CPL files,
click Start, Run and enter:

control main.cpl for mouse properties
control timedate.cpl for time date properties

For the Add Hardware Wizard:

control hdwwiz.cpl

Verify your mechanism works and the problem is just with hdwwiz.cpl.
Then fix the hdwwiz.cpl problem.

Report specific errors with Start, Run, control hdwwiz.cpl (or others
that do not work).

Anyway, it looks like hdwwiz.cpl is the only one that isn't working and the
error message remains the same as in my initial posting. I get the same
message whether I do Start/Run hdwwiz.cpl , Start/Run control hdwwiz.cpl or
if I try to start Add Hardware in the Control Panel.

I appreciate anything else you all have to suggest.

thx, BDT

 

[Jose]

Hi Jose,

I've addes some answers and comments to your note below.

thx,  BDT





BDT-I'm not sure about running hdwwiz.cpl from Start, Run.  I went to the
vlaurie webpage that you mentioned below and tested the following cpl files:
access.cpl
appwiz.cpl
desk.cpl
hdwwiz.cpl
inetcpl.cpl
intl.cpl
joy.cpl
main.cpl
main.cpl,@1
mmsys.cpl
ncpa.cpl
nusrmgr.cpl
powercfg.cpl
sysdm.cpl
telephon.cpl
timedate.cpl

Everyone of them except hdwwiz.cpl and main.cpl,@1 opened up the applet(?)
if I typed it as main.cpl without the control.  main.cpl,@1 WOULD open if I
typed in the 'control', but hdwwiz.cpl would not open up with or without the
'control.'



BDT-I had deleted the hdwwiz.cpl  from the \system32\  file and it was
automatically recreated and it still didn't work. I'm not sure what that
means unless the file that restores it was also bad.  To make sure that
wasn't the case, I copied a file from another PC and copied it into the
\system32\ directory, but "Add Hardware" still won't open.


BDT-
Don't have an install disc for XP so I don't think I can run this anyway. 
This Compaq PC only comes with a Restore Disk and as I understand it, that is
basically a disc image of the original setup that can wipe out the HDD and
restore it to it's initial condition - not something that I prefer to do.







Anyway, it looks like hdwwiz.cpl is the only one that isn't working and the
error message remains the same as in my initial posting.  I get the same
message whether I do Start/Run hdwwiz.cpl , Start/Run control hdwwiz.cpl or
if I try to start Add Hardware in the Control Panel.

I appreciate anything else you all have to suggest.

thx,  BDT

Good troubleshooting. I can't work on it more today, but there is
plenty to go on.

 

[Jose]

Hi Jose,

I've addes some answers and comments to your note below.

thx,  BDT





BDT-I'm not sure about running hdwwiz.cpl from Start, Run.  I went to the
vlaurie webpage that you mentioned below and tested the following cpl files:
access.cpl
appwiz.cpl
desk.cpl
hdwwiz.cpl
inetcpl.cpl
intl.cpl
joy.cpl
main.cpl
main.cpl,@1
mmsys.cpl
ncpa.cpl
nusrmgr.cpl
powercfg.cpl
sysdm.cpl
telephon.cpl
timedate.cpl

Everyone of them except hdwwiz.cpl and main.cpl,@1 opened up the applet(?)
if I typed it as main.cpl without the control.  main.cpl,@1 WOULD open if I
typed in the 'control', but hdwwiz.cpl would not open up with or without the
'control.'



BDT-I had deleted the hdwwiz.cpl  from the \system32\  file and it was
automatically recreated and it still didn't work. I'm not sure what that
means unless the file that restores it was also bad.  To make sure that
wasn't the case, I copied a file from another PC and copied it into the
\system32\ directory, but "Add Hardware" still won't open.


BDT-
Don't have an install disc for XP so I don't think I can run this anyway. 
This Compaq PC only comes with a Restore Disk and as I understand it, that is
basically a disc image of the original setup that can wipe out the HDD and
restore it to it's initial condition - not something that I prefer to do.







Anyway, it looks like hdwwiz.cpl is the only one that isn't working and the
error message remains the same as in my initial posting.  I get the same
message whether I do Start/Run hdwwiz.cpl , Start/Run control hdwwiz.cpl or
if I try to start Add Hardware in the Control Panel.

I appreciate anything else you all have to suggest.

thx,  BDT

You were right - the .CPLs work - I thought I tried it...

What is your XP Service Pack level? What is the SP history as best
you recall? Do you know if this worked until a certain SP?

Same error from Start, Run?

If you haven't already, run these scans:

Download, install, update and do a full scan with these free malware
detection programs:

Malwarebytes (MBAM): http://malwarebytes.org/
SUPERAntiSpyware: (SAS): http://www.superantispyware.com/

They can be uninstalled later if desired.

Everything you see sounds okay and makes sense - except hdwwiz.cpl
won't run! If you delete it, it will be replaced by WFP, etc. makes
sense.

Click Start, Run and copy/paste this in the box:

RunDll32.exe c:\windows\system32\shell32.dll Control_RunDLL hdwwiz.cpl

Same error?

You see the method - running it a different way to try to get more
info. Replace the .CPL with one you know works to be sure the command
works with other .CPL files.

Take a look at the Windows Event Viewer for any errors associated with
the event by time and date.

I just can't reproduce this problem yet... still looking.

 

[BDT]

Hi Jose,

I've answered some of your notes below.

You were right - the .CPLs work - I thought I tried it...

What is your XP Service Pack level? What is the SP history as best
you recall? Do you know if this worked until a certain SP?

BDT-this PC is running XP Home w/ SP2. I haven't done any significant
updates recently on this PC recently nor have I tried any Plug and Play
devices except for thumb drives which seem to work fine. I do most of the
Live Updates (?) that arrive.

Same error from Start, Run?

BDT- In addition to the error message that I reported above from trying to
run it from the control panel, I get these similar, but not exact errors:

If I try Start/Run hdwwiz.cpl, I get the following error:

An exception occurred while trying to run "shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL
"C:\WINDOWS\system32\hdwwiz.cpl","
===========
If I try Start/Run hdwwiz.cpl, I get the following error:

An exception occurred while trying to run "Shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL
hdwwiz.cpl"
===========
If I try Start/Run, I get the following error.
RunDll32.exe c:\windows\system32\shell32.dll Control_RunDLL hdwwiz.cpl

An exception occurred while trying to run "c:\windows\system32\shell32.dll
Control_RunDLL hdwwiz.cpl"
===========

If you haven't already, run these scans:

Download, install, update and do a full scan with these free malware
detection programs:

Malwarebytes (MBAM): http://malwarebytes.org/
SUPERAntiSpyware: (SAS): http://www.superantispyware.com/

BDT-I ran AVG anti virus and ad-aware spyware program. Then I downloaded
and ran Malwarebytes as well. Nothing from AVG. Only a few cookies and
typical MRU results from ad-aware. Malwarebytes found 3 registry 'errors' as
follows:

Registry Data Items Infected:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center\AntiVirusDisableNotify
(Disabled.SecurityCenter) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> No action taken.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center\FirewallDisableNotify
(Disabled.SecurityCenter) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> No action taken.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center\UpdatesDisableNotify
(Disabled.SecurityCenter) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> No action taken.

I removed those 3 files/entries and restarted the PC, but no change.

They can be uninstalled later if desired.

Everything you see sounds okay and makes sense - except hdwwiz.cpl
won't run! If you delete it, it will be replaced by WFP, etc. makes
sense.

Click Start, Run and copy/paste this in the box:

RunDll32.exe c:\windows\system32\shell32.dll Control_RunDLL hdwwiz.cpl

Same error?

BDT-similar error as detailed above.

You see the method - running it a different way to try to get more
info. Replace the .CPL with one you know works to be sure the command
works with other .CPL files.

Take a look at the Windows Event Viewer for any errors associated with
the event by time and date.

BDT-I looked at Window Event Viewer and didn't find much. 2 errors- one
about an HP Printer problem and the other Application Error with a reference
to Fault Bucket 1413697216. I googled this, but struck out.

I just can't reproduce this problem yet... still looking.

I'm starting to think that this is an uphill battle. I'm opened to any
add'l suggestions.

thx, BDT

 

[Jose]

Hi Jose,

I've answered some of your notes below.




BDT-this PC is running XP Home w/ SP2.  I haven't done any significant
updates recently on this PC recently nor have I tried any Plug and Play
devices except for thumb drives which seem to work fine.  I do most of the
Live Updates (?) that arrive.


BDT- In addition to the error message that I reported above from trying to
run it from the control panel, I get these similar, but not exact errors:

If I try Start/Run hdwwiz.cpl, I get the following error:

An exception occurred while trying to run "shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL
"C:\WINDOWS\system32\hdwwiz.cpl","
===========
If I try Start/Run hdwwiz.cpl, I get the following error:

An exception occurred while trying to run "Shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL
hdwwiz.cpl"
===========
If I try Start/Run, I get the following error.
RunDll32.exe c:\windows\system32\shell32.dll Control_RunDLL hdwwiz.cpl

An exception occurred while trying to run "c:\windows\system32\shell32.dll
Control_RunDLL hdwwiz.cpl"
===========




BDT-I ran AVG anti virus and ad-aware spyware program.  Then I downloaded
and ran Malwarebytes as well.  Nothing from AVG.  Only a few cookies and
typical MRU results from ad-aware.  Malwarebytes found 3 registry 'errors' as
follows:

Registry Data Items Infected:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center\AntiVirusDisableNotify
(Disabled.SecurityCenter) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> No action taken.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center\FirewallDisableNotify
(Disabled.SecurityCenter) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> No action taken.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center\UpdatesDisableNotify
(Disabled.SecurityCenter) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> No action taken.

I removed those 3 files/entries and restarted the PC, but no change.






BDT-similar error as detailed above.



BDT-I looked at Window Event Viewer and didn't find much.  2 errors- one
about an HP Printer problem and the other Application Error with a reference
to Fault Bucket 1413697216.  I googled this, but struck out.


I'm starting to think that this is an uphill battle.  I'm opened to any
add'l suggestions.

thx,  BDT

Axknowledged. Reading, thinking...

You are behind on SPs.

I think it is something ridiculous.