


'The specified module could not be found' Rundll32 Error [Solved]
The "specified module could not be found" error with rundll32.exe is typically caused by a missing, corrupted, or misreferenced DLL file, and can be resolved by following these steps: 1. Verify the rundll32 command syntax is correct and only uses supported DLL functions. 2. Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth followed by sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt to repair system files. 3. Check the registry entries under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINEThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]SOFTWAREThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]MicrosoftThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]WindowsThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]CurrentVersionThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]Run and HKEY_CURRENT_USERThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]SoftwareThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]MicrosoftThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]WindowsThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]CurrentVersionThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]Run for invalid rundll32 references and remove them if the DLL path is broken or from uninstalled software. 4. Perform a full malware scan using Windows Defender and Malwarebytes, and verify rundll32.exe is running from C:The specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]WindowsThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]System32The specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]. 5. Reinstall or repair the application associated with the error. 6. As a last resort, manually replace the missing DLL only from a trusted source or identical Windows system, though using sfc /scannow is preferred. The issue is usually fixable and stems from a broken reference rather than a critical system failure.
You’re seeing the error "The specified module could not be found" when trying to run a command involving rundll32.exe
? This is a common Windows issue that usually points to a missing, corrupted, or misreferenced DLL file. While it may seem alarming, it’s often fixable with a few straightforward steps. Here’s how to troubleshoot and resolve it.

1. Understand What’s Happening
Rundll32.exe
is a legitimate Windows system file used to run functions inside DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files. The error means Windows tried to load a specific DLL module — either manually via command or automatically through startup or a program — but couldn't locate it.
Common scenarios:

- A program you uninstalled left behind a startup entry.
- A corrupted system file or registry entry.
- Malware impersonating a DLL.
- A typo in a command or script.
2. Check for Typos or Invalid Commands
If you're manually running a rundll32
command, double-check the syntax. A small typo can cause this error.
✅ Correct format:

rundll32.exe <DLLName>,<FunctionName>
❌ Example of a mistake:
rundll32.exe user32.dll,OpenDesktop
(This may fail because not all functions are exposed this way — only specific export functions support rundll32
.)
? Only certain DLLs are designed to work with rundll32
. If you're unsure, verify the command from official documentation.
3. Scan for Missing or Corrupted System Files
Windows includes built-in tools to repair missing or damaged system files.
Run DISM and SFC:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run this command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
(This repairs the Windows image.)
- After it finishes, run:
sfc /scannow
(This scans and replaces corrupted system files.)
✅ Reboot after both complete. This fixes many rundll32
errors caused by system file issues.
4. Check the Registry for Invalid Entries
If the error appears at startup or when opening certain programs, a bad registry entry might be calling a missing DLL.
⚠️ Caution: Editing the registry can be risky. Back it up first.
- Press
Win R
, typeregedit
, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINEThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]SOFTWAREThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]MicrosoftThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]WindowsThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]CurrentVersionThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]Run
Also check:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]SoftwareThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]MicrosoftThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]WindowsThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]CurrentVersionThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]Run
- Look for suspicious entries that reference
.dll
files withrundll32
in the path. Example of a problematic entry:rundll32.exe C:The specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]Program FilesThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]SomeAppThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]missing.dll,StartNow
- If the file doesn’t exist or the app is uninstalled, delete the entry.
- Run a full scan using Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus.
- Use Malwarebytes for a second opinion.
- Check Task Manager for unknown processes using
rundll32
. - Reinstall the software.
- Use its built-in repair tool (if available).
- Check the developer’s website for updated installers or patches.
- Get the DLL from a clean PC with the same Windows version.
- Or use the Windows Update to restore it via system repair.
5. Look for Malware
Some malware creates fake DLL entries or hijacks rundll32
to run malicious code.
✅ Do this:
If rundll32.exe
is running from somewhere other than C:The specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]WindowsThe specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]System32The specified module could not be found Rundll32 Error [Solved]
, it could be malicious.
6. Reinstall or Repair the Problematic Application
If the error is tied to a specific program:
Sometimes, an update or incomplete install leaves DLLs behind or misconfigured.
7. Manually Replace a Missing DLL (Last Resort)
Only do this if you’re certain which DLL is missing and it’s a standard Windows one.
⚠️ Never download DLLs from random websites — they may be infected.
✅ Safer method:
Better alternative: Use sfc /scannow
— it handles this automatically.
Final Thoughts
"The specified module could not be found" with rundll32
is usually due to a broken reference, not a fatal system error. Start with sfc /scannow
and DISM
, check startup entries, and rule out malware. In most cases, the issue resolves quickly.
Basically, it’s more about tracking down a missing puzzle piece than fixing a broken system.
The above is the detailed content of 'The specified module could not be found' Rundll32 Error [Solved]. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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