I was having problems with the theme service on Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit), so I did a System Restore. Then, I started having problems again, and i did SR. Unfortunately, I accidentally UNDID the previous restore, therefore deleting shell32.dll from System32. Now, Windows can't even start up! I'm using my friend's computer to ask for help. I can't insert my hard drive and copy the file over, because it is a laptop and his computer is an older XP. What can I do? I don't want to have to pay money to get it fixed, when i know exactly what the problem is.

Do you have a windows vista installation disk avalible? If so do a search for shell32.dll on the cd and copy that to your'e system32 folder. Don't copy it from another computer unless they are running vista too, as older versions of the dll wont work either

Okay, but how do I run the disc? Like I said, the computer won't boot. Unless I use a Command Prompt in Safe Mode. But doesn't that require shell32.dll?

Did you try to start Windows in Safe Mode ? If you did and Windows cannot start in Safe Mode, then try to do as follows: 1) Follow this link http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Wi... 2) If you have a Restore Disk from the manufacturer ( you can buy one if you do not ), maybe you can start your notebook with it and use the REPAIR and/or REINSTALL option if the restore disk has one or both of those options. To start the notebook from the DVD drive, you may have to configure DVD drive as the first boot device in BIOS. Regards SuatCINI

Thanks for the suggestion, however, Toshiba is terrible, as they cannot not provide you with restore disks. I made a few some time ago, but forgot to label them. Now I can't find them. I will check that link, though. EDIT: HA! That is the first thing i tried! Windows shows me an error message saying, pretty much: The file rstrui.exe cannot be executed because shell32.dll is missing. Looks like I'm gonna have to either find those disks or take it in to a repair shop, huh? If anybody has more suggestions, please tell me! Like I said earlier, I don't want to take it in and spend money when I can fix it myself!

Toshiba is terrible, as they cannot not provide you with restore disks Sorry to hear that but the Toshiba notebook I bought several years ago came with two restore DVDs. i_Xp/VistaUser

Well, thanks for your suggestions, however, Bleeping Computer's How to Automatically Repair Vista helped me fix my computer. If anybody else has problems with Vista DLLs, try this tutorial. I guarantee it'll help you fix whatever you need fixin'.