How to Recover From Kernel32.DLL

1. Avoid overclocking your processor. Overclocking is accomplished by raising the speed of the computer's system bus, which forces all the components in the computer to run outside of their normal specifications. Any component, when stressed, can cause Windows to crash.
2. Check for a software issue by finding and removing viruses or malware on the computer. Most anti-virus software allows for a 30-day free trial, giving you the ability to remove viruses and decide whether you like the software before paying for it. Install an anti-virus program and allow it to scan your computer fully. Popular anti-virus programs include NOD32, Kaspersky and F-Secure.
3. Visit the Windows Update website (see link in Resources). Note that this website only works with the Internet Explorer web browser. The website will scan your Windows installation and determine whether updates are available for your system. Download and install all available updates.
4. Check for and download updated drivers for your video card (see the links in Resources). After inputting the model number for your video card, you will be given a link to download the driver, which will be a self-extracting file. Double-click the file, and follow the prompts to update your video drivers. The computer will need to be restarted after the installation.
5. Confirm that you have no potentially conflicting software installed. Software that could conflict may include multiple printer drivers, anti-virus programs or two different versions of Microsoft Office. Uninstall the software you do not use.
6. Double click the 'My Computer' icon on your desktop and then click your hard drive. Check to see how much free space you currently have. As the computer is used, Windows devotes a small amount of hard drive space to temporary storage. The amount of storage space required may vary, and if Windows attempts to expand the temporary storage file and cannot, a Kernel32.DLL error may result. Delete unnecessary files to reclaim hard drive space.
7. Install Windows on a second hard drive if you have the resources to do so. A fresh installation of Windows should exhibit no software issues, and if Kernel32.DLL errors continue after re-installing Windows, the problem is almost certainly related to a hardware component in the computer that is failing. A computer technician may need to be contacted for help in diagnosing a failed component.