In trying to open Outlook Express, I get a message "MSOE.DLL cannot be located".

This resulted when I was trying to install an HP printer using the directions from an HP technician that consisted of downloading their online program. After installing it & restarting the computer to complete the installation, which I did I got a message "MFC71.DLL" was not found". The desktop was there but nothing appeared on the screen to complete installation.

In addition, my anti-virus icon was missing and inoperatable. When trying to get Outlook Express, I got the MSOE.DLL message.

I uninstalled/installed the anti-virus program, restarted and the anti-virus was working without the MFC71.DLL message but the Outlook Express messaged me with the MSOE.

BTW, there are files that were created before I was to complete the printer installation but an uninstall said that there weren't any files. Could these files be in C:\WINDOWS\TEMP and be deleted through CCleaner?

Take note that I am a beginner.

Bob

Forgot to mention Outlook Express Version 6.00.2800.1106

Bob

No problem deleting those temp files if you have rebooted since. Don't delete any other files tho.

I think the best way to restore your msoe.dll is to download and install this OE security update:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...

If it will run it should replace your missing file. I have checked your OE version because it is important that you get the correct msoe.dll version. Don't be tempted to use SFC to restore it or to download any old file version.

DerekW

It looks like the msoe.dll file version you need is:

6.00.2800.1409

Although my OE on W98SE is a later version it looks like this file didn't change. If the update given in #2 is not accepted then I can send the file.

By the way, to install the downloaded update you save the .exe file somewhere then double click it.

DerekW

Derek,
I'm a little confused with the download & security update MS04-018 as shown on the suggested website. I don't see w98se listed in the Operating Systems. Should I just go ahead and download it?

In fact, when I login into the IE download updates to see what I downloaded, I get nothing about it on the screen. Looks as if the W98se users are kaput.

Bob

NO. It's as well one of was awake. Fortunately it would have rejected it.

I'll check it out and pop back....

DerekW

This is the one I meant, sorry about that:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...

DerekW

Derek,
I downloaded MS04-013, restarted and it didn't work. Still got the MSOE.DLL message.

Also, I cleaned the TEMP files using CCleaner but didn't gain any of the free space that was lost before I restarted to complete the printer installation that didn't complete.

Exploring, I found a lot of files in C:\Windows\Temp\hp_webrelease, that appears to apply to the HP printer. How can I get rid of them? I tried to uninstall using the HP CR-ROM but it wouldn't do anything. There were a lot of other TEMP files that began with mcu and file extension .TMP.

Bob

Use Firefox Thunderbird for your mail. It never fails.

Derek,

What do you think about this?

http://www.pcperformancetools.com/m...

Just a thought.

BTW, even though my Outlook Express doesn't work, I'm able to see messages sent through a mail2web account. I used this site to scan the messages for spam and then delete before opening up OE.

Bob

.tmp files are always safe to delete if you've rebooted since they arrived. Don't know about .mcu

As Windows and IE/OE are well intermingled this is not the best time to consider a different email client (see #8). After its fixed then that's a different matter.

I don't know that program you linked to but you never know what else they might contain. Nearly every Windows/IE/OE error usually has a link to some wonder cure-all program. That's my thoughts but it is obviously up to you.

If msoe.dll is missing OE won't work. I'll send you the msoe.dll file.

DerekW

Derek,

I never did this before but I suspect that it's to replace the exisiting one, right?

Bob

Yes, but if there is one there already it sheds rather a different light on this posting.

Did you search to see if the file was really missing in the first place?

DerekW

When I got the message,"Outlook Express could not be started because Msoe.dll could not be loaded", I assumed that it wasn't there. When I made a trial run to download it, I got the message indicating if I wanted to replace it and noticed that the original one is there.

Bob

Derek,
There is also a msoe.txt file there if it means anything.

Bob

I kinda assumed it must be missing too.

If you haven't already put in the file I sent you it might be an idea to copy the present one somewhere first just in case you need it back sometime.

Don't recall the .txt file but it won't have any bearing on your problems.

If the file doesn't fix the problem then we will have to do some more serious head scratching.

DerekW

I gather that you want me to save the present Msoe.dll (I copied it & pasted in Downloads), then replace that one with yours in C:\PROGRAM FILES\OUTLOOK EXPRESS and then run Outlook Express, correct? Does it make any difference if the "M" is captilized or lower case?

Also, I never tried to delete the TEMP files. CCleaner didn't delete all the files. From what I found on deleting TEMP files,
Reboot
Explore down to TEMP
double click on TEMP
go to Edit
Select All
use the Delete on the Keyboard to complete.

Wow, what a learning experience!

Bob

Yep, that all sounds OK and it doesn't matter whether the initial letter is upper or lower case.

I don't think the temp files will matter much to your problem though.

DerekW

It didn't work. Got the same message.

When I checked the properties of the files;

The old one copied & pasted in the Downloads:
Modified Mar 2, 2004
Created Feb 28, 2007
Version 6.00.2800.1409
Size 1.12MB

After downloading your file, msoe.dll & saving in Outlook Express by replacing it:
Modified Feb 28, 2007
Created Mar 2, 2004
Verson 6.00.2800.1409
Size 1.12MB

After replacing, it showed-up as Msoe.dll, just like as it was before replacement.

It appears that both files, the old & yours, are the same files.

Check the properties of your file and verify my findings.

Bob

Yep, I'd checked out the file version before sending it. The problem is trying to work out why your machine thinks it is missing.

I'm trying to avoid reloading Windows on top but in the meantime try this:

Go to the Run box and type this lot:
regsvr32 c:\program files\outlook express\msoe.dll

It has wrapped around on here. It should be one long line with a single space between outlook & express (as well as the one after "32" and the one after "program"). It has to be exactly right.

Hit Return afterwards and with luck it will say it has registered the file. Reboot and see if it helps.

DerekW

No luck. I don't have a Return but clicked OK. Got the message:
LoadLibrary ("C:\program") failed.
GetLastError Returns 0x00000485

Bob

It's doom and gloom I'm afraid. There are only a few ways forward.

You can uninstall and re-install OE but the procedure is "very" elaborate and you are likely to lose your address book and emails. To make matters worse many of the MS articles on this are no longer available. I have them but there are sheets and sheets of it, requiring trips to the registry, renaming files and goodness knows what.

On balance I think it might be better to take a chance and simply reload Windows in again on top if you have a CD. It's not certain to work but it might manage to pull it together.

The reason for this uncertainty is that if you have somehow collected a mixed bag of wrong version OE files then reloading Windows isn't guaranteed to fix it. The one advantage is that you should keep all of your stuff and be able to get back online afterwards.

Before we go that way try this:-

Restart in MS-DOS then type scanreg /fix and hit return. This will rebuild your registry. I'm none too hopeful but I guess there is a chance. When it has finished type exit (hit Return) to restart Windows.

There is also scanreg /restore but I doubt you will have a copy of the registry still around that just pre-dates the onset of this problem.

DerekW

Just noticed this in your #20 "I don't have a Return".

Lost your drift there. What I mean is hit the Return key on the keyboard - alternatively the Enter key will also do just as well in all the instances I've mentioned.

DerekW

Aha, got your drift. You mean the Run box "OK" button. Yes that was also fine - pity it didn't help though.

DerekW

I'll try the scanreg/fix and if it doesn't work, I have a computer technicial nearby and will give him a call to see if he do anything for me. I have a lot of email info that I don't want to lose.

I tried a couple of scanreg/restore so I'm just about sure that I don't have a copy of a working registry. BTW, what does "not started" mean in the registry restore?

I'll get back to you and let you know how things are progressing.

Thanks for your effort. I really appreciate it.

Bob

I've never run into that "not started" message.

If you do want to try re-installing W98 without reformatting you usually manage to keep your emails and other stuff. It's much easier to do than removing and re-installing Outlook Express.

DerekW

OK, what do I have to do.
I don't have the CD-ROM but did make that change to "sourcepath", C:\WINDOWS\OPTIONS\CABS\. It was created Mar 11,2004. Does this help?

Bob

Let me re-phrase that last message.
What do I have to do to re-install W98se? What I have is a CD-ROM of W98 and the CAB files of W98se that is obtainable through C:\Windows\options\cabs\.

It's late here, I'm beat and it's time for me to leave the computer for the night.

Bob

Yeah, and in the UK I'm some 5 hours ahead of you I reckon LOL.

Probably best to use the CD, just on the off chance that any of the cab files are missing from the HD.

Make sure you have a product key just in case it asks. It is also worth checking that the one on the machine matches up. If it should be different then it gives you a choice. To do this you type regedit in the Run box. This is the registry - don't worry about it, you are not about to alter anything. Go to Edit/Find at the top and get it to look for ProductKey - observe caps. You should eventually see it highlighted in the right hand pane, so jot it down.

Next step, make yourself a Startup Disk (floppy). Go to "Control Panel/Add-Remove Programs" and you'll see the tab there. Use a formatted blank floppy.

To load Windows you power off, put in the floppy and power on again. Eventually it will give some options. Choose "Start with CD-ROM support". Put in your W98 CD and type setup (hit Enter key).

This should start Windows loading. If it doesn't then shout back and I'll give you the necessary additional information.

If by any chance it asks if it should install in anywhere other than c:\windows (such as windows.000 then don't let it). We want it to overwrite what is already there in c:\windows not start a new folder.

Good luck - shout back as necessary.

DerekW

Derek,

First of all, using regedit, etc., the dropdown “copy key name” was grayed-out, i.e. unobtainable. I do have a Certificate of Authenticty with a Product ID: 07998-OEM….etc. Is this it?

Along with the CD for Windows 98, I have a CD for System Restoration, ver. 5.8. Would that be of any help? Since I am now operating with W98se, does that make a difference?

Sequence: Make a startup disk, shut down the computer, insert the startup disk, start the computer, choose “Start with CD-ROM support”, insert the W98 CD, type setup and enter. This should start Windows loading. (Hopingly). And, don't let it be installed anywhere else other than c:\windows (such as windows.000 then don't let it).

Question: What is happening when W98 files are intermingling with the W98se files? Filling in the missing spaces of the W98se system files?

If it sounds like a questionalble question, I have an excuse since I had a rough day today in addition to the grief I have with this computer.

BTW, I haven’t tried to re-install that HP printer again after three attempts, which started all of this mess. I think I'll try once more before the above Windows fix.

Bob

Whoa, hold back. I meant W98 CD generally and assumed that your CD was the same version as you had on there. If that's not the case don't proceed.

You'd be better off to use the cabs. Make sure they look as if they are all present. There should be about 100 files, most of them being .cab files. The procedure for using the cabs is slightly different so if you intend going that way I'll spell it out later.

That key isn't the one we need, its the one with five groups of five characters. I didn't intend you to copy anything using registry commands but just write the number down in case you need it. What I suggested should have found it.

Those restore disks vary widely from machine to machine, so it's not easy to comment. What they normally do is try to set the system back to the way it was when you purchased it.

DerekW

Just for the record, there should be at least 101 files in c:\windows\options\cabs if they taken from a Win98SE CD. It could be more than 101 if any extra files have been put there.

This includes the following blocks of cabs:

Driver11.cab to Driver20.cab
Win98_21.cab to Win98_74.cab

If these are not present or the file count is less than 101 then it would be unwise to re-install Windows using them.

DerekW

Exploring c:\windows\options\cabs, there are 110 files including,
Driver11.cab to Driver20.cab
Win98_21.cab to Win98_74.cab

As for the ProductKey, I found it. It has five groups of five characters.

What's next? I miss my Outlook Express.

Bob

Produce the boot disk as previously explained. Power Off, insert floppy then power on again.

When it gets to the menu, choose #2 (start without CD ROM support), which should take you to the A prompt.

Type:
c:

Type:
cd c:\windows\options\cabs

Type:
setup.exe

Hit either Return or Enter key after each of the above three commands.

Just so that you understand, you are moving from the floppy (A), then to the hard disk (C) and finally to the folder containing the cabs. It will show you where you are as you enter each command.

Once the setup.exe command has been entered you stand back and Bill Gates should do most of the rest. As said before, IF it should ask if you want it installed anywhere but c:\windows then don't let it. Put in your product key if requested.

Better cross all fingers and toes........

DerekW

Derek,

I've got everything arranged to re-install W98se but haven't tried it yet because I am expecting something in my "mail2web" where I can pick up some messages sent to me. As soon as I get that, I'll proceed.

BTW, what is the worst that can happen when I proceed with the re-install of W98se? That's the reason why I'm delaying.

Bob

Well, I suppose if the install gets stuck then you might not be able to get back to windows.

I'm not expecting any problem but have to say that I am happier when I have a CD to hand and/or when I've saved the cabs myself. They certainly sound right from what you have confirmed, in which case I would expect the install to go OK.

DerekW

Hello Derek,

I finally made contact to get the information I was seeking so I went ahead with re-installing Windows.

The good news is that I re-installed W98se successfully with no problems. Excellent directions per you.

The bad news is that for Outlook Express, the "msoe.ll cannot be loaded" still appeared.

Also after Windows loaded, I got a error message that AVG isn't loaded because it's missing something, etc. and needed my license number that I couldn't locate so I downloaded the AVG75 Free file again and uninstalled/installed and it's working.

There were a couple of other adjustments I made in the power management schemes to "turn off monitor" & "turn off hard disk" to "never". I believe I had that mode before I re-installed because my monitor went to sleep after 15 minutes, which it didn't do before.

Even though I still have the problem, I sure learned a lot from you about getting around this computer system, registry included.

Bob

Glad you got through the install OK.

My guess is that you have some wrong file version in OE (too old or too new) and the install just left them in place. The trouble is that there are so many it can be a real pig to track down the culprit.

The only way forward (apart from reformat) is to go through that uninstall OE and re-install which I referred to earlier. It is a very long winded process and the MS link has vanished.

I have it on file (plus an .exe file which they reckon makes things a little easier) so I can send both to you if you wish.

I'm away tomorrow for a few days.

DerekW

Something you could try which is a bit of a long shot but is safe and easy - IE Repair.

You go to Control "Panel/Add-Remove Programs" and double click the entry "Microsoft IE & Tools". This should then give the option. As IE and OE are very much interlinked there is a chance this might help.

If it finds a problem, ignore any alarmist messages about running setup. Just use the details button (or whatever) to collect any information on why it can't do the repair. If it finds a wrong file version we should be able to sort that out.

DerekW

Derek,

Tried your suggestion but it couldn't repair because the file alt.dll is missing.

I'm taking the processor to my local repair shop. I talked to the owner, told him my problems & he said to bring it in and he will look at it, which I am going to do right now.

Thanks, I'll get back to you later.

Bob

That's a strange report because alt.dll is a scripting file and not part of IE itself.

There might have been away around that but I note your decision.

It's unlikely that the repair shop will fiddle around with odd files, so I guess it will be a case of either uninstall/re-install OE (and possibly IE) or reformat time. Reformat is not so much more than you've already done, except that you lose everything.

I'd be interested in the outcome whatever.

DerekW