Invalid Page Fault in Module Kernel32.dll Error Resolution

Kernel32.dll Error Messages

There are a number of different ways that the "invalid page fault in module kernel32.dll" error may show up on your computer. Many different software programs may generate the kernel32.dll error in Windows but here are some of the more common specific error messages you may see:

• "Explorer caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.DLL"
  
  
• "Iexplore caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.DLL"
  
  
• "Commgr32 caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.dll"
  
  
• "Error in Kernel32.dll"
  
  
• "[PROGRAM NAME] has caused an error in Kernel32.dll"

Kernel32.dll error messages may appear when Windows starts, when a program is opened, when a program is running, when a program is closed or at nearly any time during a session of Windows.

Cause of Kernel32.dll Errors

The causes of the kernel32.dll error message are as varied as the messages themselves. The kernel32.dll file is involved with memory management in Windows. When Windows is started, kernel32.dll is loaded into a protected memory space so other programs don't attempt to use the same space in memory to run their operations.

The frequently accompanying "invalid page fault" error means that another program (or many programs) are trying to access this same space in your computer's memory.

Resolution

1. Restart your computer. The kernel32.dll error could be a fluke.
   
   
2. If the "invalid page fault in module kernel32.dll" error occurs only when you use a single software program, the software program is most likely to blame. Uninstalling and reinstalling the program may do the trick.
   
   Be sure to install any service packs or other patches available for the program. One of these may have resolved the kernel32.dll problem that the software is causing. If necessary, you may need to stop using a particular program if it's the only cause of the problem.
   
   
3. Repair potentially damaged password list files. Try this troubleshooting step only if you're running Windows 95 or Windows 98 and if the kernel32.dll page fault is caused by "Explorer", "Commgr32", "Mprexe", "Msgsrv32", or "Iexplore".
   
   
4. Repair corrupted thumbs.db files. Often times, the "Explorer caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.DLL" error is caused by a corrupted thumbs.dll file in a folder of subfolder that you're trying to access.
   
   
5. Do you have DLL files saved to your desktop? If so, remove them. This can sometimes cause kernel32.dll errors.
   
   
6. Run a virus scan. Some specific computer viruses cause kernel32.dll errors as part of their damage to your computer. Quarantining the virus may resolve your issue entirely.
   
   
7. Update drivers for any hardware that might be related to the kernel32.dll error. For example, if a kernel32.dll error appears when printing to your printer, try updating your printer drivers. If you suspect that drivers need updated but aren't sure where to start, update your video card drivers. Outdated video card drivers sometimes cause kernel32.dll errors.
   
   
8. Decrease the hardware acceleration on your video card. While uncommon, some computers do have problems when the hardware acceleration is set at it's default setting of full acceleration.
   
   
9. Have you overclocked your PC? If so, try resetting your hardware configuration to the default recommended by the manufacturer. Overclocking has been known to cause kernel32.dll issues.
   
   
10. Test your system memory for damage. Kernel32.dll error messages from random programs and activities in Windows could be a sign of a hardware failure with your computer's memory. One of these programs will clearly identify if you have a problem or give your memory a clean bill of health.
    
    
11. Perform a repair installation of Windows XP. If individual software reinstallations and hardware tests fail to resolve the problem, a repair installation of Windows should replace any damaged or missing files that may be causing kernel32.dll messages. The linked guide is for Windows XP but other Windows operating systems have similar repair methods.
    
    
12. Perform a clean installation of Windows XP. This type of installation will completely remove Windows XP from your PC and install it again from scratch. I don't recommend this step unless you feel comfortable that the kernel32.dll error is not caused by a single program (Step #2). If a single piece of software is causing the kernel32.dll error message, reinstalling Windows and then installing the same software may put you right back where you started.
    
    
13. Finally, if all else has failed, including the clean installation from the last step, you're likely looking at a hardware issue with your hard drive or another piece of hardware. If the hard drive is the likely culprit, replace the hard drive and then perform a new installation of Windows XP.

Applies To

Depending on the specific error, kernel32.dll error messages apply to any number of software programs on any of Microsoft's operating systems from Windows 95 to Windows Vista.

Still Having Kernel32.dll Issues?

Let a community of PC support enthusiasts help out! Post the details of your problem in the Focus on PC Support Forums. Be sure to let us know the exact kernel32.dll issue you're having and what steps you've already taken to resolve it.