how to restore corrupted MSVFW32.DLL file

artchik · #1 November 6th, 2001, 03:11 PM

I have Windows 98 and recently tried to install some software (Burpee 3D Garden Designer, Woman's Day Cookbook). After installing these and trying to run them, I would get an error message that said a device attached to the system is not functioning. After that, another window popped up that said my MSVFW32.DLL file appears to be corrupt, and it told me to reinstall file then try again. I have the original Win 98 CD...is that where I would get this file? How do I go about replacing the corrupted file?

kali1137 · #2 November 6th, 2001, 05:26 PM

Try this and see if it works. Click on start - go to programs - go to accessories - go to System tools - click on system information. This will bring up a box with all your system information. Click on the tools option at the top of the box. Click on the System File checker. This will check all your windows system files and prompt you to restore any corrupt files. This should find the file and replace it for you. It will prompt you for the windows CD to get the file from so have it ready. Let me know if this works.

artchik · #3 November 6th, 2001, 05:30 PM

Hi Kali, the first thing I did was run the File Checker, but it came up with no indication of corrupted files. I kind of assumed that the problem was with my computer and not the software, because both CDs I tried to install gave me the same error message.

kali1137 · #4 November 6th, 2001, 05:40 PM

I am kinda surprised that didn't work. You could always go back into the file checker. Instead of having it check for corrupted files it also gives you the option of just replacing one selected file. You could just replace from the windows cd though there. Or you could have someone email you the file they have that is not corrupted and just overwrite the old one. It is located in you windows/system folder. Other than that I am at a loss.

artchik · #5 November 6th, 2001, 06:00 PM

Will it harm anything if I go ahead and replace the file from the Win98 CD even if file checker says there isn't a problem? I'm afraid of creating a fix that is worse than the problem.

kali1137 · #6 November 6th, 2001, 06:05 PM

It shouldn't cause a problem. YOu can always save the orginal file under another name and restore it if need be. I have replaced files this way due to a virus and it didn't cause any harm. Of course I can't say for certain it won't hurt anything. But I haven't ever had a problem doing it. Let me know how it goes

artchik · #7 November 6th, 2001, 06:31 PM

You must think I'm a hopeless newbie, but when I tried to retrieve the msvfw32.dll file from my Win98 CD, it told me the file was not found. I was using System File Checker to do the file restoration. Am I missing an important step in here somewhere in my effort to retrieve this file from the Win98 CD?

kali1137 · #8 November 6th, 2001, 06:39 PM

When pointing it to the cd are you making sure the path is d:/win98 ? D being whatever drive letter is for your cd rom. I don't think you are a newbie at all. You knew right off to go the file checker. Alot of users don't know it is there. If you are and it still isn't finding it then you can email me at webmaster@aftertherain.com and I can send the file to from my computer.

artchik · #9 November 6th, 2001, 06:55 PM

That did the trick. Problem solved! Thank you so much for your patience. You made my entire week!

kali1137 · #10 November 6th, 2001, 06:59 PM

Glad to be of assistance and glad to hear that it worked.