I’ve written about a lot of strange and complex error messages on Windows before, so here’s another issue I recently encountered on a Windows client machine:
Host Process Rundll32 has stopped working
This message appeared whenever the user tried to open Windows Security Center. It will appear 10 times and then disappear. Nothing bad would happen to the system such as a blue screen or a crash, but it was just annoying.
I also saw this rundll32 host process error popping up when trying to open other programs, so it doesn’t seem to be related to one specific program, making it difficult to resolve.
The first way to fix this problem is to try to remember what new software you just installed on your computer. It appears to be caused by one of several programs including Nero, Intel Viiv Software, Vegas Movie Studio, etc.
Method 1 – Update or uninstall Nero software
The first thing to try is uninstall or update any Nero software on your computer. If you are using an older version of Nero software, be sure to download the latest version that works with Windows.
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If that doesn’t work, you can try another method to solve the Nero problem:
Go to C: Program Files Common Files Ahead DSFilter and rename NeroVideoProc.ax to 1NeroVideoProc.ax. Also rename NeVideo.ax to 1NeVideo.ax. Restart your computer and hopefully this will solve your problem if you have a Nero product installed.
The second method – rename or re-register lmpgvd.ax
If you do not have any Nero software installed, it may be caused by other programs such as Intel ViiV Software. If you are not sure if you have this software installed, you can navigate to the C: Windows System32 directory and find the lmpgspl.ax file.
If it is in the system32 directory, rename it to 1lmpgspl.ax. Restart your computer and see if the problem goes away. If not, you can try unregistering the lmpgspl.ax file using the following commands:
regsvr32 / u lmpgvd.ax regsvr32 / u lmpgspl.ax regsvr32 / u lmpgad.ax
Method 3 – Turn off Data Execution Prevention (DEP)
Another reason this error message may appear is if you have DEP running. DEP is a Windows feature that prevents programs from starting if it thinks it might be a problem.
You can disable DEP by going to a command prompt and typing the following command:
bcdedit.exe / set {current} nx AlwaysOff
Reboot and see if the problem goes away!
Method 4 – Turn off thumbnails in Folder Options
If you’re having this problem while viewing pictures or videos in Windows Explorer, there is one more thing you can try.
Go to “My Computer” and click “Tools” and then “Folder Options”. On the View tab, select the Always show icons, not thumbnails check box.
Your problem should now be gone. Another program that can cause this problem is the K-Lite codec pack, so if you have one installed, be sure to download the latest version when uninstalling.
As a last resort, you might have a virus or spyware installed, so run your antivirus program and see if it finds anything. Good luck! Leave a comment if you have any questions. Enjoy!
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