Windows does not replace the kernel32.dll

ijack June 15, 2012 at 02:13:16

It would help if you said which software you were trying to run. Anyway, the SetDllDirectoryW API function was first introduced in Windows XP, so it looks like you are trying to run a program that requires a minimum of XP. Windows 2000 is very old; perhaps this is nature's way of telling you that it's time to upgrade.

paulsep June 16, 2012 at 17:43:51

You can copy the kernel32.dll to your Windows 2000, by using a LiveCD (BartPE or Linux LiveCD). BUT in addition, it's most likely, that you get a BSOD (Blue screen of death), when you copy a kernel32.dll of Windows XP to your Windows 2000 computer.