Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.

A wtoolsa error in kernel32.dll means there's spyware on your machine, and a spyware scan is needed to remove it.

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

That's spyware. Download a copy of AdAware or Spybot Search & Destroy and scan your machine for spyware to get rid of it.

Article C2079 - June 22, 2004

Leo Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed. After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.

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Recent Comments
12 Comments

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?

Posted by: Jeannine at October 11, 2004 6:44 PM

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

Posted by: Leo at October 11, 2004 7:05 PM

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

Posted by: Joe hanley at November 2, 2004 11:58 AM

does the cd that microsoft sends you can install
windows completely? example if u formatted your hard drive can it install a full version of it??
thank you Leo!!

Posted by: hansell at August 23, 2006 4:55 PM

I'm not sure what disk Microsoft sent you so I can't say. Certainly if you purchase Windows XP the CD that you get can be used to install a full version.

Posted by: Leo Notenboom at August 23, 2006 8:10 PM
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