Restore missing files from Windows CD

Helpline Q&A Directory

My computer displays an error message when booting up that says 'Missing file msnp32.dll'. This does not seem to affect the running of any programs but is annoying.

If a filename starts with MS it's a safe bet that it is a Microsoft file and it's quite likely that it came with Windows. Therefore it's worth trying the System File Checker to try to restore it from the Windows CD-ROM. To do this, click the Start button, click Run, type SFC in the Open box and press Enter.

When the System File Checker starts select 'Extract one file from installation disk' and enter the name of the missing file in the box. Then click Start. The Extract File dialog box will appear. If the file is a Windows system file SFC knows where it is supposed to go and the Save file in box will be filled in with the file's correct location.

Select the location of your Windows CD-ROM in the Restore from box and click ok. Windows will then extract the missing file from the CD and write a new copy to your hard disk.