Errors related to kernel32.dll can arise for a few different different reasons. For instance, a faulty application, kernel32.dll has been deleted or misplaced, corrupted by malicious software present on your PC or a damaged Windows registry.
The most commonly occurring error messages are:
- The program can't start because kernel32.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.
- There was a problem starting kernel32.dll. The specified module could not be found.
- Error loading kernel32.dll. The specified module could not be found.
- The code execution cannot proceed because kernel32.dll was not found. Reinstalling the program may fix this problem.
- kernel32.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vender for support.
In the vast majority of cases, the solution is to properly reinstall kernel32.dll on your PC, to the Windows system folder. Alternatively, some programs, notably PC games, require that the DLL file is placed in the game/application installation folder.
For detailed installation instructions, see our FAQ.
Additional details about kernel32.dll
Kernel32.dll file handles the memory usage in "Microsoft Windows". It is one of the primary files that are needed in order for "Windows" to function properly. When you start your PC - kernel32.dll is loaded in to a protected space in the memory, and there after it locates other applications that wants to be loaded in to the memory. Nothing works in “Windows” if the kernel32.dll file is damaged, moved or deleted. For this reason, we advise everyone to never attempt replacement of this file. We only have it available so that those few who *really* know what they are doing have a chance to get it. In most all cases when you get an error message about kernel32.dll it is because of system incompatibilities with the application you are trying to run. Figure out why it is incompatible with your system first, it might be as simple as locating a different version of that program.
The most common occurring error messages caused by problems with kernel32.dll:
• "Explorer caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.dll."
• "Iexplore caused an invalid page fault in module kernel32.dll."
• "Commgr32 caused an invalid page fault in module kernel32.dll."
• "Error in Kernel32.dll."
• "[PROGRAM NAME] has caused an error in Kernel32.dll."
Errors arise when other applications in "Windows" are trying to access the protected memory space that Kernel32.dll is using. These kind of errors can occur in all "Microsoft Windows" operating systems from "Windows 95" to the new "Windows 7".
DLL-Files.com Support says
2013-10-02:
Lots of people having issues with latest Skype update these days. The error message concerns Kernel32.dll Note: Do NOT attempt to change this .dll on your computer. This is not the issue. The problem is that Skype have stopped support Win XP SP2 and older. You need to update to XP SP3 from Microsoft help center then possibly reinstall Skype again. Do note: Microsoft themselves will stop support this XP from April 2014 onwards, and so will lots of other software vendors. Hope it helps!
Comments made by users:
I have got the problem "MakeCriticalSectionGlobal could not be found in KERNEL32.dll"
If your getting an error that you dont have the KERNEL32.DLL file that probably means you dont have at least XP service pack 2...
Hi! I used to use Skype for a long time without problems. But recently I have received notification on updating the program. So after updating of Skype, the latter doesn't run. Only notification "Fatal Error" with short description "Failed to get proc address for SetDllDirectoryW (Kernel32.dll)" is appeared.