Rundll32.exe file problem

[Barb]

Have a Gateway 1.00Ghz, w/512RAM, WinXP Pro that boots up to the Desktop,
but programs will not open, most of them with a message that says: Cannot
find "rundll32.exe" . . . also, nothing in the Control Panel will come up
including Add/Remove Programs and System. Same with CD-RW drives - message
says they cannot find the "D: . . . " or "E: . . ." file.

We deleted the original rundll32 file and re-installed a copy from a working
computer via floppy disk drive (which seems to work), and re-booted the
computer. Nothing changed and we are back to where we started. We also tried
everything in Safe Mode with the same results.

Would appreciate any help, advice, direction, etc.
TIA
Barb and Ray

 

[Malke]

Have a Gateway 1.00Ghz, w/512RAM, WinXP Pro that boots up to the
Desktop, but programs will not open, most of them with a message that
says: Cannot find "rundll32.exe" . . . also, nothing in the Control
Panel will come up including Add/Remove Programs and System. Same with
CD-RW drives - message says they cannot find the "D: . . . " or "E: .
. ." file.

We deleted the original rundll32 file and re-installed a copy from a
working computer via floppy disk drive (which seems to work), and
re-booted the computer. Nothing changed and we are back to where we
started. We also tried everything in Safe Mode with the same results.

What is the virus/malware status of this machine? If you think the
machine is clean, what did you use to determine this (names/versions of
programs, whether your av subscription is active)?

What changed between the time things worked and the time they didn't?

Malke