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

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Summary: 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.

Related:

Article C2079 - June 22, 2004

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Recent Comments
12 Comments

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?

Posted by: Katie at July 31, 2004 6:10 AM

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.

Posted by: Leo at August 2, 2004 9:30 AM


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.

Posted by: Buckdown at August 2, 2004 11:19 AM

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?

Posted by: Karin at August 25, 2004 7:50 AM

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.

Posted by: Leo at August 25, 2004 10:48 AM

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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