How to replace user32.dll?

[GRoston]

I won't bore everyone with the reason why (but I can if you really want to know), but I want to replace the user32.dll files in the System32 and SysWOW64 directories with the ones in the erdnt\cache64/erdnt\cache86 folders.

I copied the erdnt files to the desktop, renamed them to old<dir>_user32.dll, and then moved them into the System32 and SysWOW64 folders. I know that these are protected files, so I rebooted into safe mode and cd’ed to the System32 folder. My plan was to delete the user32.dll file (yes, I first copied it someplace safe) and then rename the old<dir> file. However, when I tried to deleted user32.dll, I was told “Access denied”. Now what can I try?

 

[SIW2]

instead of safe mode, boot into winpe which runs as system.

at admin cmd prompt type:
reagentc /boottore
(then press enter)

reboot. That should boot into winre.

 

[GRoston]

SIW2: Thanks. I just tried that, but upon rebooting I saw a message like 'media missing' and the computer did not go into winpe mode.

 

[SIW2]

you had better check that winre is enabled and where it should be.

reagentc /info




if it is not enabled, try:

reagentc /enable

- - - Updated - - -

If winre has gone missing, it can easily be replaced from the installation media or by using a custom bootable wim file.

 

[GRoston]

It is enabled - I just saw the exact same stuff you posted

 

[SIW2]

have a look and make sure winre.wim is where indicated

 

[GRoston]

I just searched the directory C:\Windows and the file winre.wim is not to be found. Also, there is nothing shown for 'Recovery environment' when I do reagentc /info.

 

[Alejandro85]

To replace critical system files you can't simply do it from within Windows, as it'll always be loaded. In particular user32.dll is used to draw windows and user controls, so that cmd window or even Windows Explorer is shown to you courtesy of user32.dll, so it'll be in use, so you can't replace it.

You must do it from another OS. Any kind wll do. The Windows installer CD/USB is good enough for this, as it'll be many of the "portable" Linuxes out there.

Out of curiosity, I would really want to know why do you want to mess with such a file

 

[GRoston]

Alejandro85 - When I do some very basic stuff with Visio, it crashes. When I looked in the Event Viewer at the crash, it indicates a problem with user32.dll. This problem never used to happen so I am wondering if an older version of user32.dll may address the issue.