LAN WorkPlace Replaces Shell.dll File

Last reviewed: January 3, 1996
Article ID: Q133218
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

After you install Novell LAN WorkPlace and restart your computer, Windows 95 notifies you that the Commdlg.dll, Shell.dll, Toolhelp.dll, and Winhelp.exe file have been replaced and prompts you to replace them. If you click Restore and then log on to the network, you receive a blue error screen and no programs appear in the Close Programs dialog box.

CAUSE

LAN WorkPlace replaces the Shell.dll file without checking its version. Windows 95 requires the correct version of the Shell.dll file and cannot function without it. You can press CTRL+ALT+DEL to open the Close Programs dialog box and shut down Windows 95, but you can do nothing else. Before you extract the files mentioned below rename the existing copies in your Windows directory. This will prevent the files from being overwritten when you extract copies from the CD or floppies.

RESOLUTION

Follow these steps to restore Windows 95 to functionality:

  1. Restart your computer. When you see the "Starting Windows 95" message, press the F8 key, then choose Safe Mode Command Prompt Only from the Startup menu.

  2. Change to the drive containing your Windows 95 CD-ROM or original disks and type the following commands. If you are using Windows 95 disks, make sure to insert the appropriate disk in the floppy disk drive for each command

          extract precopy1.cab /l <path>\system commdlg.dll
          extract precopy1.cab /l <path>\system shell.dll
          extract win95_03.cab /l <path>\system toolhelp.dll
          extract win95_05.cab /l <path> winhelp.exe
    

    where <path> is the full path for the Windows folder.

If you receive the error message, "shell32.dll could not be loaded" you will also need to extract shell32.dll from win95_10.cab

MORE INFORMATION

The third-party product discussed in this article is manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.


KBCategory: kb3rdparty
KBSubcategory: wpp95 win95 3rdpartynet
Additional reference words: 95


THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: January 3, 1996
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.