Windows Shell Library – SHELL32.DLL

Shell32.dll installs with the Windows Operating System. It is the Windows Shell Library. It contains the Windows Shell API functions used to open web pages and documents and to obtain information about file associations. You must leave this file in place.

Shell32.dll may be listed in your Startup Programs when used to load programs via "ShellServiceObjectsDelayLoad". By default many Windows XP installations will include Shell32.dll to load objects as a "PostBootReminder" and "Shell Folder for CD Burner".

These entries should not be removed.

Having problems? Microsoft's Knowledgebase offers solutions to the most common Windows errors referencing shell32.dll:

Explorer caused a page fault in module Shell32.dll - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;148322

Iexplore Caused an Invalid Page Fault in Shell32.dll - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;188095.

Desktop icons appear as the default Windows icon - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/185217.

Microsoft Outlines security issues involving shell32.dll:

Vulnerabilities in Windows Shell Could Allow Remote Code Execution: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS05-049.mspx.

Vulnerability in Windows Shell Could Allow Elevation of Privilege in WindowS Vista: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS07-006.mspx.

Finally, this MSDN article tells you how to determine which version of shell32.dll you're running: http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms649534.aspx.

Safe

Microsoft