Windows 7 - memory error

Ever since I have had windows 7 which I really like... i seem to get a memory error of some sort.

when this happens if i try to start an application i get a very brief image of the cursor as if it is loading but then nothing.
if i try to start the task manager i get:

"the application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000142) click ok to close"

I also cannot even shutdown or restart... nothing seems to work.
I have to hold the power button down to force a shutdown.

This seems to happen for no reason and quite often. even if i have not been using the pc for a couple of hours, it sometimes seems to get this.

now even the action center fails to load...

currently i am writing this because my browser was already open. all else is failing..
I am about to force shutdown again...

That error is a failure to initialize a dll file

Read here for the cause and fix. How to Fix Application Error 0xc0000142