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The story of a kernel
gone corrupt
Jasjot Singh Narula
 THE
next time you get the message on the computer that reads: "The
program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down. An
Invalid Page Fault (IPF) error has occurred in Kernel32.dll press Ctrl +
Alt + Del to restart, " don’t blame Gates but try to get into the
why of it.
Such types of error
usually originate in computers that have Windows 95, Windows ’98
(First and Second Edition) and Windows Me as Operating System (OS).
What’s dll
All OS consist of
different layers or modules on which it works. The first layer is the
shell, second is HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) and the central module
of an OS is a Kernel. Kernel loads first when the operating system
initiates and remains into the main memory i.e. RAM (Random Access
Memory). It is important for the kernel to remain as small as possible
while still providing all essential services required by other parts of
the OS and applications. The Kernel is responsible for memory
management, process and task management and disk management.
There are a number of *.dll
(Dynamic Link Library) files that have an important role in functioning
of a PC. The most crucial is Kernel32.dll file. Actually it is a 32-bit
dynamic link library set-up in Windows. Its basic aim is to handle
memory management, I/O (Input/Output) operations and interrupts.
The problem of
"Invalid Page Fault" in Kernel32.dll error occurs
occasionally. It is either caused by a particular program or is
triggered by multitasking of multiple files and applications.
Problems and
solutions
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In most of the cases,
kernel32.dll error occurs at the very first instance while loading
OS. This is because of faulty RAM. It may be because of bad memory
module. To check the RAM, insert the following command in the
CONFIG.SYS file DEVICE=C:\ WINDOWS\ HIMEM.SYS/TESTMEM:ON. This could
be added on the command prompt, C:\ EDIT CONFIG.SYS. If your system
shows the message, "HIMEM has detected unreliable memory at
address XXXXXXXX", this means there is some fault in the
memory.
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Whenever there is a
message related to illegal operation in Kernel32.dll error, it
usually shows in which program the error has been occurred. For
example, if the error is enabled in Adobe Photoshop and it keeps
occurring. First try to uninstall Photoshop and reinstall. Then
restart.
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In most of the cases
these type messages occur because of over clocking of the CPU, BUS
speed. Never ever try to do it ad this may cause the system to
remain unstable and might damage the CPU or the motherboard.
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Don’t use faulty or
unclean CPU fans or power supply. These may again cause the
operating system to remain unstable and the repetition of messages
like User32.dll or Explorer.dll errors.
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Check out the graphic
or hardware acceleration. If it is too high, it may be another cause
of error. Go to CONTROL PANEL>SYSTEM PROPERTIES>
PERFORMANCE> GRAPHIC. Here lower the acceleration and restart.
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Animated mouse
cursors, mouse trails and active desktop may cause these kinds of
problems. Uninstall them all.
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Include some lines in
CONFIG.SYS file to get rid of Windows Explorer kernel32.dll crashes.
These may work in Win ’95 & Win ’98
FILES=65
BUFFERS=40
STACKS=64,512
If still, the computer
shows Kernel32.dll errors then format your active drive and reinstall
the OS.
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