Run Time Error 48 on Windows Login (Can't Find PSAPI.DLL)

Using an old PC with Win98SE installed with all latest Critical Updates. A
few weeks ago started showing error dialog "Run Time Error'48'; File Not
Found PSAPI.DLL" after completing the Windows Login dialog. The startup
process goes no further and I am left with a desktop that shows just my
selected background picture.

I have tried loading PSAPI.DLL into various folders (C:\, C:\Windiws,
c:\windows\system) but it makes no difference.

I have seen other reports of this problem in other discussion forums, but no
solutions. I have seen suggestions that this might be the FunnyFiles worm,
Lovgate.c virus or CoolWebSearch spyware. Any of these is possible as my son
(who uses the computer) has told me that he was getting pop-up ads and slow
browsing and he uses MSN to chat. None of the virus directories describe this
exact behaviour, however.

The problem is made worse because I cannot get into Safe Mode, and as normal
Windows start-up is frozen I can't use any Windows-based cleaning tools (e.g.
CWShredder). I have run a DOS-Mode virus scan, but it came up clean.

Has anybody else seen this problem and, more importantly, does anyone know
how to overcome it - short of completely reformatting and re-installing?

"JeremyS" wrote in message
...
Using an old PC with Win98SE installed with all latest Critical Updates.
A
few weeks ago started showing error dialog "Run Time Error'48'; File Not
Found PSAPI.DLL" after completing the Windows Login dialog. The startup
process goes no further and I am left with a desktop that shows just my
selected background picture.

I have tried loading PSAPI.DLL into various folders (C:\, C:\Windiws,
c:\windows\system) but it makes no difference.

You do not want that file. it is not a Windows 98 file.

I have seen other reports of this problem in other discussion forums, but
no
solutions. I have seen suggestions that this might be the FunnyFiles
worm,
Lovgate.c virus or CoolWebSearch spyware. Any of these is possible as my
son
(who uses the computer) has told me that he was getting pop-up ads and
slow
browsing and he uses MSN to chat. None of the virus directories describe
this
exact behaviour, however.

The problem is made worse because I cannot get into Safe Mode, and as
normal
Windows start-up is frozen I can't use any Windows-based cleaning tools
(e.g.
CWShredder). I have run a DOS-Mode virus scan, but it came up clean.

Has anybody else seen this problem and, more importantly, does anyone
know
how to overcome it - short of completely reformatting and re-installing?

Try this for starters. Use your boot floppy to boot to DOS.

Type
edit c:\windows\system.ini

and then click OK.

(The MS-DOS Editor opens.)

NOTE: If Windows is installed in a different location, make the appropriate
path substitution.

In the [boot] section of the file, look for a line similar to:

shell = %System%\Explore.exe

If this line exists, change:

Explore.exe
to
Explorer.exe

When you are done, it should look like:

shell=Explorer.exe

Press Alt F S.

Press Alt F X.

Now try to reboot.

If that works, go here and follow the
REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS
at the bottom of the page.

http://www.sarc.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.funner.html

Thanks for your help. This is exactly the problem. I had almost got there
myself by putting together other information about possible tricks of viruses
in changing the system.ini file. I guess the problem of looking for the psapi
dll is that the virus was not really written for windows 98 and so did not
install properly - none of the registry changes were present, for example.

Thanks again.

"Hugh Candlin" wrote:


"JeremyS" wrote in message
...
Using an old PC with Win98SE installed with all latest Critical Updates.
A
few weeks ago started showing error dialog "Run Time Error'48'; File Not
Found PSAPI.DLL" after completing the Windows Login dialog. The startup
process goes no further and I am left with a desktop that shows just my
selected background picture.

I have tried loading PSAPI.DLL into various folders (C:\, C:\Windiws,
c:\windows\system) but it makes no difference.

You do not want that file. it is not a Windows 98 file.

I have seen other reports of this problem in other discussion forums, but
no
solutions. I have seen suggestions that this might be the FunnyFiles
worm,
Lovgate.c virus or CoolWebSearch spyware. Any of these is possible as my
son
(who uses the computer) has told me that he was getting pop-up ads and
slow
browsing and he uses MSN to chat. None of the virus directories describe
this
exact behaviour, however.

The problem is made worse because I cannot get into Safe Mode, and as
normal
Windows start-up is frozen I can't use any Windows-based cleaning tools
(e.g.
CWShredder). I have run a DOS-Mode virus scan, but it came up clean.

Has anybody else seen this problem and, more importantly, does anyone
know
how to overcome it - short of completely reformatting and re-installing?

Try this for starters. Use your boot floppy to boot to DOS.

Type
edit c:\windows\system.ini

and then click OK.

(The MS-DOS Editor opens.)

NOTE: If Windows is installed in a different location, make the appropriate
path substitution.

In the [boot] section of the file, look for a line similar to:

shell = %System%\Explore.exe

If this line exists, change:

Explore.exe
to
Explorer.exe

When you are done, it should look like:

shell=Explorer.exe

Press Alt F S.

Press Alt F X.

Now try to reboot.

If that works, go here and follow the
REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS
at the bottom of the page.

http://www.sarc.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.funner.html

I've just got the same problem and feel that it is due to an MSN Messenger
download as my son does a lot of messaging and taking files from others. I
have yet to find the solution and have tried the same things you have. Let
me know if you find the cure.

"JeremyS" wrote:

Using an old PC with Win98SE installed with all latest Critical Updates. A
few weeks ago started showing error dialog "Run Time Error'48'; File Not
Found PSAPI.DLL" after completing the Windows Login dialog. The startup
process goes no further and I am left with a desktop that shows just my
selected background picture.

I have tried loading PSAPI.DLL into various folders (C:\, C:\Windiws,
c:\windows\system) but it makes no difference.

I have seen other reports of this problem in other discussion forums, but no
solutions. I have seen suggestions that this might be the FunnyFiles worm,
Lovgate.c virus or CoolWebSearch spyware. Any of these is possible as my son
(who uses the computer) has told me that he was getting pop-up ads and slow
browsing and he uses MSN to chat. None of the virus directories describe this
exact behaviour, however.

The problem is made worse because I cannot get into Safe Mode, and as normal
Windows start-up is frozen I can't use any Windows-based cleaning tools (e.g.
CWShredder). I have run a DOS-Mode virus scan, but it came up clean.

Has anybody else seen this problem and, more importantly, does anyone know
how to overcome it - short of completely reformatting and re-installing?

See my article, Security! Link in my sig.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Tbro10" wrote in message
...
I've just got the same problem and feel that it is due to an MSN
Messenger
download as my son does a lot of messaging and taking files from
others. I
have yet to find the solution and have tried the same things you have.
Let
me know if you find the cure.

"JeremyS" wrote:

Using an old PC with Win98SE installed with all latest Critical
Updates. A
few weeks ago started showing error dialog "Run Time Error'48'; File
Not
Found PSAPI.DLL" after completing the Windows Login dialog. The
startup
process goes no further and I am left with a desktop that shows just
my
selected background picture.

I have tried loading PSAPI.DLL into various folders (C:\,
C:\Windiws,
c:\windows\system) but it makes no difference.

I have seen other reports of this problem in other discussion
forums, but no
solutions. I have seen suggestions that this might be the FunnyFiles
worm,
Lovgate.c virus or CoolWebSearch spyware. Any of these is possible
as my son
(who uses the computer) has told me that he was getting pop-up ads
and slow
browsing and he uses MSN to chat. None of the virus directories
describe this
exact behaviour, however.

The problem is made worse because I cannot get into Safe Mode, and
as normal
Windows start-up is frozen I can't use any Windows-based cleaning
tools (e.g.
CWShredder). I have run a DOS-Mode virus scan, but it came up clean.

Has anybody else seen this problem and, more importantly, does
anyone know
how to overcome it - short of completely reformatting and
re-installing?

Nice article but I still have no way of accessing Windows at this point. The
fix mentioned earlier was not the problem.

Still hung up with the run time error. Any ideas?

"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

See my article, Security! Link in my sig.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Tbro10" wrote in message
...
I've just got the same problem and feel that it is due to an MSN
Messenger
download as my son does a lot of messaging and taking files from
others. I
have yet to find the solution and have tried the same things you have.
Let
me know if you find the cure.

"JeremyS" wrote:

Using an old PC with Win98SE installed with all latest Critical
Updates. A
few weeks ago started showing error dialog "Run Time Error'48'; File
Not
Found PSAPI.DLL" after completing the Windows Login dialog. The
startup
process goes no further and I am left with a desktop that shows just
my
selected background picture.

I have tried loading PSAPI.DLL into various folders (C:\,
C:\Windiws,
c:\windows\system) but it makes no difference.

I have seen other reports of this problem in other discussion
forums, but no
solutions. I have seen suggestions that this might be the FunnyFiles
worm,
Lovgate.c virus or CoolWebSearch spyware. Any of these is possible
as my son
(who uses the computer) has told me that he was getting pop-up ads
and slow
browsing and he uses MSN to chat. None of the virus directories
describe this
exact behaviour, however.

The problem is made worse because I cannot get into Safe Mode, and
as normal
Windows start-up is frozen I can't use any Windows-based cleaning
tools (e.g.
CWShredder). I have run a DOS-Mode virus scan, but it came up clean.

Has anybody else seen this problem and, more importantly, does
anyone know
how to overcome it - short of completely reformatting and
re-installing?

You can't boot into Safe Mode?

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Tbro10" wrote in message
news
Nice article but I still have no way of accessing Windows at this
point. The
fix mentioned earlier was not the problem.

Still hung up with the run time error. Any ideas?

"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

See my article, Security! Link in my sig.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Tbro10" wrote in message
...
I've just got the same problem and feel that it is due to an MSN
Messenger
download as my son does a lot of messaging and taking files from
others. I
have yet to find the solution and have tried the same things you
have.
Let
me know if you find the cure.

"JeremyS" wrote:

Using an old PC with Win98SE installed with all latest Critical
Updates. A
few weeks ago started showing error dialog "Run Time Error'48';
File
Not
Found PSAPI.DLL" after completing the Windows Login dialog. The
startup
process goes no further and I am left with a desktop that shows
just
my
selected background picture.

I have tried loading PSAPI.DLL into various folders (C:\,
C:\Windiws,
c:\windows\system) but it makes no difference.

I have seen other reports of this problem in other discussion
forums, but no
solutions. I have seen suggestions that this might be the
FunnyFiles
worm,
Lovgate.c virus or CoolWebSearch spyware. Any of these is
possible
as my son
(who uses the computer) has told me that he was getting pop-up
ads
and slow
browsing and he uses MSN to chat. None of the virus directories
describe this
exact behaviour, however.

The problem is made worse because I cannot get into Safe Mode,
and
as normal
Windows start-up is frozen I can't use any Windows-based
cleaning
tools (e.g.
CWShredder). I have run a DOS-Mode virus scan, but it came up
clean.

Has anybody else seen this problem and, more importantly, does
anyone know
how to overcome it - short of completely reformatting and
re-installing?

No. Same error. Everything I've read says that this file is not a Windows
98 file. The problem I'm having is that I can't find where its being called
from. I'm working straight from DOS so finding the file is like the needle
in the haystack situation.

I've heard that there is a file being emailed around that is either a funny
file or funny something. Can't find it either but has obviously made life a
little unhealthy in my world.

"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

You can't boot into Safe Mode?

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Tbro10" wrote in message
news
Nice article but I still have no way of accessing Windows at this
point. The
fix mentioned earlier was not the problem.

Still hung up with the run time error. Any ideas?

"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

See my article, Security! Link in my sig.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/cleanboot.htm
http://www.grystmill.com/articles/security.htm

"Tbro10" wrote in message
...
I've just got the same problem and feel that it is due to an MSN
Messenger
download as my son does a lot of messaging and taking files from
others. I
have yet to find the solution and have tried the same things you
have.
Let
me know if you find the cure.

"JeremyS" wrote:

Using an old PC with Win98SE installed with all latest Critical
Updates. A
few weeks ago started showing error dialog "Run Time Error'48';
File
Not
Found PSAPI.DLL" after completing the Windows Login dialog. The
startup
process goes no further and I am left with a desktop that shows
just
my
selected background picture.

I have tried loading PSAPI.DLL into various folders (C:\,
C:\Windiws,
c:\windows\system) but it makes no difference.

I have seen other reports of this problem in other discussion
forums, but no
solutions. I have seen suggestions that this might be the
FunnyFiles
worm,
Lovgate.c virus or CoolWebSearch spyware. Any of these is
possible
as my son
(who uses the computer) has told me that he was getting pop-up
ads
and slow
browsing and he uses MSN to chat. None of the virus directories
describe this
exact behaviour, however.

The problem is made worse because I cannot get into Safe Mode,
and
as normal
Windows start-up is frozen I can't use any Windows-based
cleaning
tools (e.g.
CWShredder). I have run a DOS-Mode virus scan, but it came up
clean.

Has anybody else seen this problem and, more importantly, does
anyone know
how to overcome it - short of completely reformatting and
re-installing?

Do you know any other possible solutions? I tried your solution and the
shell was OK. Do you know of any other programs that might want to start
this particular dll?

"Hugh Candlin" wrote:


"JeremyS" wrote in message
...
Using an old PC with Win98SE installed with all latest Critical Updates.
A
few weeks ago started showing error dialog "Run Time Error'48'; File Not
Found PSAPI.DLL" after completing the Windows Login dialog. The startup
process goes no further and I am left with a desktop that shows just my
selected background picture.

I have tried loading PSAPI.DLL into various folders (C:\, C:\Windiws,
c:\windows\system) but it makes no difference.

You do not want that file. it is not a Windows 98 file.

I have seen other reports of this problem in other discussion forums, but
no
solutions. I have seen suggestions that this might be the FunnyFiles
worm,
Lovgate.c virus or CoolWebSearch spyware. Any of these is possible as my
son
(who uses the computer) has told me that he was getting pop-up ads and
slow
browsing and he uses MSN to chat. None of the virus directories describe
this
exact behaviour, however.

The problem is made worse because I cannot get into Safe Mode, and as
normal
Windows start-up is frozen I can't use any Windows-based cleaning tools
(e.g.
CWShredder). I have run a DOS-Mode virus scan, but it came up clean.

Has anybody else seen this problem and, more importantly, does anyone
know
how to overcome it - short of completely reformatting and re-installing?

Try this for starters. Use your boot floppy to boot to DOS.

Type
edit c:\windows\system.ini

and then click OK.

(The MS-DOS Editor opens.)

NOTE: If Windows is installed in a different location, make the appropriate
path substitution.

In the [boot] section of the file, look for a line similar to:

shell = %System%\Explore.exe

If this line exists, change:

Explore.exe
to
Explorer.exe

When you are done, it should look like:

shell=Explorer.exe

Press Alt F S.

Press Alt F X.

Now try to reboot.

If that works, go here and follow the
REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS
at the bottom of the page.

http://www.sarc.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.funner.html

"Tbro10" wrote in message
...
Do you know any other possible solutions? I tried your solution and the
shell was OK. Do you know of any other programs that might want to start
this particular dll?

I may have discouraged you from visiting this link
by saying "if that worked".

If you have NOT been to this site
and followed the instructions, please do so

http://www.sarc.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.funner.html