5 Windows Errors

and

What They Mean

Computer errors leave you baffled and we are often left wondering the reason behind their occurrence. Discussed here are some of the common Windows errors, what they are and what you can do to prevent them from happening.

Shell32.dll Error

Shell32.dll belongs to the Windows library and comprises functions related to Windows Shell API, which is needed to open files and Web pages on your system. The file is also required to perform several other related tasks on your PC and is important for the stability of your system.

Shell32 errors usually occur when you are trying to open Internet Explorer or trying to create or open a new folder in the Windows Explorer. Erroneous entries in the registry are the most common cause of these errors.

Msvcr71.dll Error

Msvcr71.dll is a Microsoft Visual C Runtime library version 7.1 engine file used by many Microsoft C++.NET-based Windows applications such as Office 2002 and 2003 and Microsoft Visual Studio.NET versions 2002, 2003 & 2005. This DLL file is used by applications to perform several tasks such as display drop-down menus, buttons, and scroll bars, and control mouse events.

Msvcr71.dll errors usually occur when the file is:

• damaged when a faulty application is installed.
• deleted when an application using it is uninstalled.
• overwritten by an older Msvcr71.dll version.
• affected due to damage to the files of a currently installed application using it.
• infected by malware.
• affected by a damaged registry.

Msvcp71.dll Errors

Msvcp71.dll is also a Microsoft C Runtime library file used in many Microsoft and non-Microsoft applications. Msvcp71.dll errors usually occur due to missing, corrupt, or damaged files or due to malware infections and errors in the Windows registry.

Runtime Error 217

Runtime error 217 errors may occur when one or more of the following conditions arise on the system:

• When you install an application, one or more DLL files fail to register correctly on the system.
• Existence of outdated Microsoft Msvcrt.Dll and MS DCOM files.
• Invalid or incorrect regional settings.
• Missing Stdole32.tlb file.
• Damaged registry and virus infections.

Code 39 and Code 10 Errors

Code 39 and Code 10 errors occur due to missing, damaged, incompatible, or incomplete device drivers. Code 10 error is usually generated when a device driver fails and the FailReasonString value is not defined in the hardware key of the driver file. Code 39 error is usually displayed when there is a problem with the driver of your CD drive. When this error occurs, your CD-drive is not visible in the Windows Explorer or My Computer window.

How to Prevent Windows Errors

All these errors and several others that occur on your system may not only hamper your work but may also cause severe damage to your PC. To prevent these errors from occurring on your PC, it is important for you to take a few preventive measures. Some of the important activities that you can perform are:

• Avoid installing applications—especially freeware applications—whose source you are not sure of because these applications may be faulty or carry troublesome adware that may cause DLL errors and other problems on your PC.
• Be careful while installing and uninstalling programs—do not delete or overwrite shared DLLs used by other applications on the PC.
• Keep your device drivers, Windows operating system, and other applications installed on your PC updated with the latest security releases, hotfixes, and services packs release by their manufacturers.
• Keep your registry healthy by keeping it free from erroneous and invalid information—you can easily perform registry maintenance with the help of a reliable registry cleaner tool.
• Perform regular full system scans using your updated antivirus and antispyware tool to ensure that your PC is free from and protected against various security threats.

Always remember that just like any other equipment you own, you need to be careful while using your PC. Perform regular maintenance and be vigilant about what you install, what you open, and the activities that you perform on your PC to help in keeping it healthy and free from errors.