What is kernel32.dll?
On a Windows computer, Kernel32.dll is the heart of the operating system. Kernel32.dll, as the name suggests is a central module that contains core processes of a Windows operating system. The number 32 signifies a 32-bit operating system and the filename extension .dll stands for Dynamic Link Library.
A .dll file can be used by various different programs and kernel32.dll is no exception. It is not just the operating system that uses this process to carry out different functions; other third-party programs also make use of one or more processes of the kernel32.dll module.
The main functionality of the kernel32.dll file is to handle memory management, input/output streams and interrupts.
When you boot up your Windows computer, the kernel32.dll file is loaded in a protected memory space. Other programs are not supposed to use this memory space.
Invalid Page Fault or IPF is one of the most common kerner32.dll errors that you may come across. When the error occurs, you may see an error message similar to the one given below appear on your Windows screens:
?ProgramName caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.dll.?
Here, ProgramName is the name of the program that caused the Kernel 32.dll IPF error.
Cause of the Kernel32.DLL IPF Error
This error usually occurs when any other program on your computer tries to access the memory space meant for the kernel32.dll file. Kernel32.dll IPF can be caused both by a single program or a combination of several open programs.
How to fix Kernel32.dll IPF Error
If the error occurs while starting a particular program, application or device, then uninstall and re-install this specific program, application or device to resolve the issue.
If you constantly receive this error from different software and drivers, such as Explorer, Mprexe, or Guide.exe, then a damaged password list file could be the reason behind the kernel32.dll error. ?Follow the steps listed below to get rid of this damaged password list file:
Note: The following steps will cause you to lose all of your saved passwords.? Therefore, write them somewhere else, so that you can re-insert them when required.
- Open Windows Explorer and open the drive in which Windows is installed (generally it is C).
- Press F3 and search for *.pwl files. The search results will display the list of files with .pwl filename extension.
- Now, press Ctrl+A to select all displayed files, and press Delete.
- Finally, restart your computer.
Some other common reasons behind kernel32.dll errors are discussed below:
- Damaged or Corrupt registry: Entries related to DLL files are stored in the registry and you may receive the kernel32.dll error if its corresponding entries in the registry are damaged or corrupt. We recommend you scan your registry, using an advanced registry cleaning tool, such as RegServe to remove invalid and corrupt entries, and thus prevent errors arising due to a damaged registry.
- Virus and Spyware Infections: Many malware programs, such as viruses, spyware and Trojans are known to disguise themselves as genuine .dll files and cause harm to your system. Additionally, viruses and other malware programs if present on your PC can edit, move, or damage existing .dll files and lead to plethora of errors on your system. It is important that you install robust antivirus and antispyware suites, such as STOPzilla Antivirus and Spyware Cease to safeguard your machine from this menace.
- Incorrect or corrupt drivers: Incorrectly installed or damaged drivers of your hardware devices may also generate the kernel32.dll error. That is why it is important that you upgrade your outdated drivers and promptly replace the incorrectly installed or damaged drivers. You can do this job manually. However, it may prove to be time consuming and tedious. This is why it is best that you use a driver scanner tool, such as Driver Finder for this purpose.