Windows 7: comctl32.dll missing error

Hello. Just joined to get help on my PC.

On logging in and opening programs, I get this message, screenshot in attachments.



I tried doing a system restore but it doesn't show a restore point before the error began, and yes I did click "Show More Restore Points".

I did a SFC Scan but it says it finds a corrupted file but cannot fix it.

Downloading anything, like a registry cleaner, would be pointless since the same error message would show up when I run it.

The DLL is still in the System32 and SysWOW64 folders so it's not actually missing and I did check the recycle bin.

I've asked someone for help and they think it's a trojan but McAfee hasn't found anything, even under a full scan.

I don't have the installation disk either. Bought this on QVC.

Any other tips? Anything would help right now. Thanks!

Welcome to the Seven Forums.

It sounds like you want to try:
www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

You can get Windows 7 DVDs from here:
Dell Community

Does re-registering the DLL from an elevated command prompt help?

regsvr32 comctl32.dll

Yes, I knew I forgot to add something and this was it. But...



I am doing a Repair Install in a bit as soon as the ISO is extracted to my USB. Do you know if that will delete personal files? I.E.: pictures, music, etc. I can deal with deleted programs but maybe not files. Thanks!

I've not tried a repair install - but I trust Brink's tutorial...
Repair Install
...when it says in the notes section:

Do a Repair installation if:

• A System Restore did not help fix your Windows 7.
• There is no other easier option left that can fix your Windows 7.
• You DO NOT want to do a Clean reinstall of Windows 7.
• You DO want to preserve your user accounts, data, programs, and system drivers.

Got it fixed, the repair install worked fine, bit slow but all cool. Thanks for the suggestion! Nothing deleted either.

thx for posting back & glad to hear that it worked for you :-)