Can not replace shell32.exe even after taking ownership

50cent · 21 Jun 2012

Hi all,

This is my first post here, I did search the forum but couldn't seem to find a solution. I have my first Windows 7 laptop (for 2 days now) and I think I've messed it up already!

During an attempt to install a custom theme, I needed to replace explorer.exe, shell32.dll and a couple of other files. I used the reg hack to take ownership of these files.

I managed to change explorer.exe to explorerBACKUP.exe and insert the modified explorer.exe file...

...However, when it comes to shell32.dll in the system32 folder, I can rename it to shell32BACKUP.dll, but when I try to drag the replacement shell32.dll file into the system32 folder, I click OK on all the permission requests, a window pops up saying it is copying the file there, but the replacement file does not appear in the system32 folder.

Also, having realised it won't let me replace the file, I tried to rename shell32BACKUP.dll to shell32.dll but it won't let me! It appears to work, i.e. no errors, but the name does not change.

The same thing happens on one of the other files I have to replace (i forget the name of it now) which is also in the system32 folder.

Does anybody know what I need to do to replace the shell32.dll file?

I'm running Windows 7 home Premium 64 bit.

I hope I have provided enough information about the issue, if not please let me know.

Thanks!

richnrockville · 21 Jun 2012

Welcome 50Cent to the windows 7 forums.
You are trying to replace files that the OS has open and that's why it won't let you.

Microsoft when they update these kinds of files usually does it on a reboot after update so that before the OS loads those files, they can be replaced before they are loaded into memory.

I highly recommend that you have a good image backup of your system before screwing around with replacement of system files.

Rich

50cent · 21 Jun 2012

Hi Rich,

Thanks for your reply. Yes I intend to make an image of the HDD once I have all my basic programs set up.

I am thinking there must be a way to replace the file only because from what I have seen the instructions for themes which need this modification simply state to rename and replace the shell32.dll file. And reading user comments on the said themes, it would appear people are able to do this successfully.

I have a fresh install of Win 7 so it doesn't really matter right now if I screw it up since I can just reinstall.

So are you saying it is impossible to replace this shell32.dll file except at start up?

Please forgive my ignorance!

richnrockville · 21 Jun 2012

50cent said:

Hi Rich,

Thanks for your reply. Yes I intend to make an image of the HDD once I have all my basic programs set up.

I am thinking there must be a way to replace the file only because from what I have seen the instructions for themes which need this modification simply state to rename and replace the shell32.dll file. And reading user comments on the said themes, it would appear people are able to do this successfully.

I have a fresh install of Win 7 so it doesn't really matter right now if I screw it up since I can just reinstall.

So are you saying it is impossible to replace this shell32.dll file except at start up?

Please forgive my ignorance!

Yes, if a program is run at boot time, It makes it almost impossible to replace active dll's or .exe's that are in memory.

Rich