blueser wrote:
| I get this message and"the OLEAUT32.DLL file cannot start.Check the
| file to determine the problem"
| I am running win 98SE. The problem arose after I downloaded and tried
| to install a piece of software. Whenever I try to run any programs I
| get this error message.
| Help!!
| al

My current file in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM is...

OLEAUT32.DLL v.2.40.4518 9/3/01 OLEAUT32.DLL

Here are what in my .cab's...

Win98SE WIN98_39.cab.... v.2.40.4275 4/23/99 598,288 bytes
IE5 MDAC_IUE5.cab.. v.2.40.4275 3/8/99 598,288 bytes
IE6 OAINST.cab........ v.2.40.4518 3/16/01 929,792 bytes

Other than date (what's up with that?), looks like mine came straight of
my IE6 .cab. If you are IE6, consider an over-install of IE. If IE5, do
that too, as who knows whether something else went missing...

Try first without, but I believe it will request an
internet connection. Perhaps it is best to let it connect, actually. If
you don't care to get this fancy, just skip to step (c).

(a) Turn off interfering programs. Use http://www.pcmag.com/ 's
"StartupCop" or "EndItAll2". Or "START, Run, MSConfig, Startup tab".
Note what is unchecked, if anything. Then, go to the General tab &
disable the entire Startup Group, by clicking "Selective.." & unchecking
"Load Startup...". Reboot.

(b) Perhaps, if you haven't got EndItAll2, then "Ctrl-Alt-Del" & end
task all but Explorer & Systray. If this goes badly, start again from
top, & skip it next time.

(c) "START, Find, F/F, IE6Setup.exe". Click it in the Find window.
NOTE: If you are IE5, then it's "IE5Setup.exe". If there are more
than one (I have two each), click the one in "C:\WINDOWS\Windows
Update Setup Files" or "C:\Windows Update Setup Files", as applicable.

(d) Re-enable the Startup Group. That will automatically check all
items. Go to the Startup tab & uncheck any noted in step (a). Reboot.

(e) Perhaps go to Windows Update, to see whether it now offers
criticals.