Error related to comctl32.dll, unable to open programs

[francisc82]

Hi all,
A few days back I started to encounter problems with my laptop. When I boot up and log into windows an error message appears saying that "This application failed to start because comctl32.dll was not found, Re-installing the application may fix this problem."

The message continues to appear for several programs when I click accept, running through about 6 or 7.

I am unable to open many programs, such as my anti virus, mozilla or chrome. Although I can open photoshop for example and IE, but cannot get online.

I have been doing some reading online regarding issues with this particular dll file but as of yet have been unable to find a solution.

I had a friend with an identical setup send me a copy of this file and tried to replace it on my laptop, but windows said the file was in use by another program and I am unable to replace it.

I don't have any installation or repair dvd. Stupidly I never made a recent backup, nor have I created a system restore point for a number of years.

Right now I have no idea of how to proceed, so any advice you may have would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks!

 

[francisc82]

Hi,
Just thought I'd update on this. I found a link via google about how an update to the panda antivirus causes this.

A thread is located here: Panda Security Forum - View topic - Can't run Panda Recovery Tool, missing Comctl32.dll

Also Panda has released various fixes, none of which have worked for me, but it has improved.
Here is a link to where the fixes are: Soporte Técnico - Panda Security

I hope this helps anyone out who encounters the same issue.