How to replace Rundll32.exe??

[green tea]

I can no longer open up any of the programs and run them like normal, without the "OPEN WITH" window popping up and asking me which program I want to use to open this application with. Also, I tried going to my Add/Remove program section but it says:

"C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
Application not found."

Evilfantasy from the Computer Virus/Spyware section already told me to get the window XP cd and replace this rundll32.exe

However, my problem is that I can only find the Recovery cds (4-discs), and my cd/dvd drive have not been working as well. I cannot find my XP cd anywhere. So my question is, could I just get this Rundll32.exe from my sis's pc and copy/replace mine?

Is it that simple that I can just copy and paste it, and it would make everything run again. Or would it render the machine unuseable??
And Evilfantasy has said that providing a d/l link is illegal, but if I get it from another home pc, does it make it legal?

I need to fix this rundll problem, before I can continue with fixing my Malware problems.

[midsail]

If u can borrow  any XP CD, it will do the same. U might need your XP Key. Insert the CD and reboot, act like if u r going to reinstall XP. Follow the instructions, but do not reformat. There will come a step, that will state fix this XP installation, choose the fix option. This should work, it will not erase any data, setting or folders. Good luck.

[green tea]

Thanks for replying..

I'm still worried about several things -- the cd drive will not read the XP cd since it's crazy like that, and that's if I can get a cd. Also, I have no clue what my XP key is (where would I find that info?)

Could I just replace my current rundll32.exe by copying a functional rundll32.exe into the system32 folder?

Please help save my pc everyone.

[quaxo]

Hmm, I've never tried that. You could try it as a last resort. Might just work.

[patio]

You will eventually need an XP CD...sooner would be better than later.

[macdaddy]

I have used "Magic Jellybean" retriver, and the  'Download 32' software to retrieve ms product keys with sucess but I make sure my antiv is up to date and running before using any freewares. As for losing Rundll.exe, I just got whacked by a trojan called HTML/Iframe A that among other things disabled all exe, reg and bat extensions. Oddly enough it was hard to find in the known virus lists and none of the antivirus providers know much about it. Good luck.

[Spoiler]

Getting a copy off another machine should work. At least it has for me. But I agree with patio....you will need a copy of the CD sooner or later.

[quaxo]

You will eventually need an XP CD...sooner would be better than later.

Agreed.

[knarlybill]

I just went through this with Vista. I looked in my startup services, and seen two copies of Rundll32.exe, and they were attached to my Nvida drivers for my video card. I deleted them, and went and downloaded the newest drive for my card, and the problem was corrected. I have read on other sites, especially if you google this issue, and they blame Nero. Check it and see.

[green tea]

Getting a copy off another machine should work. At least it has for me. But I agree with patio....you will need a copy of the CD sooner or later.

Please elaborate one how you did this.

I just inserted the usb stick, and tried simply to copy and paste "rundll32.exe" in the system32 folder, but it says it cannot copy because it's being used by another person/program.

I then tried deleting the current rundll32.exe, but it says the same thing (being used by another person/program.

I think this is my last resort since I'm almost positive my cd drive will not work.

[quaxo]

It will have to be done from a command prompt (press F8 at startup, before Windows starts to load).

[Broni]

My bet is, if there is a problem with rundll32.exe, more problems on the horizon.
Reformat, and reinstall are lurking.

[green tea]

It will have to be done from a command prompt (press F8 at startup, before Windows starts to load).

Can you explain in details? I actually just tried that..

Went to ask the IT guy at work and he said to do:

Start > Run. Type "cmd" and then once the window opens, type "chkdsk /f/v/r"
Then type "Y" when it asks, and then reboot.

I could only get to the "cmd" part, and then the "Open with" window appeared again asking me to select from the following listed programs to open the file with. 

So then I followed his next advice: if it doesn't work, can try safe mode with command prompt. I got to the point, where I typed "chkdsk f/v/r" but then it says the drive was locked. And asked if I wanted to do this upon the next restart. I typed yes and then it rebooted.

And now I'm here. I just tried opening up SuperAntispyware and the "open with" window showed up again.
..........
Broni, is there any other way around this?? I really don't want to have to reformat.

[Spoiler]

What version of XP are you running? Home...pro?
Also do you have SP2 installed?

[patio]

Borrow an XP CD from the IT guy...
It must match your Edition including Service Paks.
For example if you are running XP Pro with SP2 installed the CD must be XP Pro w/SP2
Power down and re-boot.
Go to Start/Run and type in sfc /scannow and hit Enter...
Have the CD ready as it will ask for it.
Let it run to completion.
Remove the CD.
Re-boot.
Done.