Why do I keep getting a wtoolsa error in kernel32.dll?

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I found this "Wtoolsa" thing on my running programs and I keep getting these windows pop up where it says "loading" on the bar but you never can maximize it to see what it's doing. Is this some sort of a pop-up ad or what? It interupts when I play games or work. Please help.

-Mike

As the article says, it's spyware. Run a spyware scanner and it should clean it up.

I keep getting a exec has caused an error in KERNEL32.DLL everytime I start the internet. I have loaded the Spybot Search and Destroy and have run it several times. Is there anything else I can do?

Katie: hard to say without the exact error information. I'd run System File Checker (http://ask-leo.com/archives/000074.html ), and then a good virus scan in addition to your spyware scan. A visit to Windows Update might be in order as well.

Error Messages Associated with "WtoolsA", "WToolsB", or "WTools" on Startup

When starting your computer, you may see an error message associated with "WtoolsA", "WToolsB", or "WTools".
This error message is caused by a new variety of an older Spyware program called "HuntBar". HuntBar is a toolbar which provides search features, and is added to every new Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer window. It also changes your home page and search bar settings to point to HuntBar's servers, and automatically opens this search bar when it detects you are using any other search engine.

Use the following steps to determine if HuntBar is affecting your computer.

From the Start menu, click Run.

In the Run dialog box, type: Msconfig. Click OK.

In the System Configuration Utility window, click the Startup tab.

On the Startup tab, look through the entries for any that list WtoolsA, WToolsB, or WTools.

If any of these entries are found, click to clear the check box next to its name, and then click OK. This makes the computer operational without the error message displaying, however this step does not remove the threat from the computer.

In the System Configuration dialog box, click Restart to restart your computer.

Once back in Windows, verify that the error message does not reoccur.

I am getting the msg: EXEC has caused an error in kernel32.dll every time I try to access the internet. Katie posted on 07/31/04 for Melodee to follow the instructions in the article she just commented on.... Where are the instructions and/or article?

The very top of this page that you just commented on: http://ask-leo.com/why_do_i_keep_getting_a_wtoolsa_error_in_kernel32dll.html - this one happens to be a very short article.

On many occasions I have run Spybot, which I check for updates regularly, and have also gone through the procedures through "msconfig" and also "regedit" and still can not get rid of Wtoosa. I also have another problem labeled "wsup" and cant get rid of that either. Even when I try "ctrl+alt+delete" to end task it will not go away. Any other suggestions?

My first reaction would be to use one or more additional spyware checkers. Sucks, but not all the tools catch all the spyware. This article discusses: http://ask-leo.com/whats_the_best_popup_blocker_antivirus_software_antispyware_software.html - I have recommendations for several here: http://d-recommend

This appears to be just what I was looking for, Thanks

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