Microsoft KB Archive/125442

"Call to Undefined Dynalink" Error in Publisher

= "Call to Undefined Dynalink" Error in Publisher =

Q125442
- The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Publisher versions 2.0, 2.0a -

SYMPTOMS

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One of the following error messages may appear when you start Publisher, open an existing publication, use a wizard, or select an OLE object.

Call to Undefined Dynalink

Server application or source file not found

Application Error: Publisher caused a General Protection Fault in COMPOBJ.DLL

Application Error: Publisher caused a General Protection Fault in STORAGE.DLL

Application Error: Publisher caused a General Protection Fault in OLE2.DLL

Application Error: Publisher caused a General Protection Fault in MSPUB.EXE

CAUSE

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This error is generally caused by an outdated, corrupt, or incompatible dynamic link library (a file that has a .dll extension).

DLLs are shared executable files used by more than one program. Your DLL files can usually be found in the program's directory or in the \SYSTEM subdirectory. Deleting and reinstalling your program will not always replace the DLL files in the program's directory or those in the \System subdirectory. ("" refers to your Windows directory--usually, C:\Windows.)

STATUS

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These errors do not occur in Publisher for Windows 95 version 3.0 because the DLL files are installed by Windows 95. Similarily, if you install Publisher 2.0 under Windows 95, Publisher attempts to install the shipped DLL files, but they are overwritten by the standard DLL files installed by Windows 95.

RESOLUTION

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Case 1: The error occurs when you select an OLE object or run a wizard. ---

Check the dates on the following DLL files. These files should all have the same date, except Commdlg.dll, Ddeml.dll, and Toolhelp.dll, which are not on the Publisher program disks and may have earlier dates.

Commdlg.dll Compobj.dll Ctl3d.dll or Ctl3dv2.dll Ddeml.dll Ole2.dll Ole2prox.dll Pubole.dll Puboleui.dll Storage.dll Typelib.dll Toolhelp.dll

Other causes can include the following DLL files:

Shell.dll Olecli.dll Olesvr.dll

The correct date for these files under Windows 3.1 is 3/10/92. The Toolhelp.dll is often the problem, and the latest file size should be 14,128 bytes.

Note: If using the LaserTools Printer Control Panel utility also causes the above error message, contact LaserTools Corp. at (510) 420-8777 for an updated verion of Printer Control Panel or for instructions on removing their printer control panel from Windows.

To replace any outdated files, rename them and then reinstall Publisher, or do the following at the MS-DOS prompt:

Note: Commdlg.dll, Ddeml.dll, and Toolhelp.dll will not be reinstalled when you reinstall Publisher. You must expand these files from the Windows disks.

1. Insert Publisher Setup Disk 1 in your floppy disk drive (this procedure  assumes drive A) and copy Decomp.exe from drive A to your Windows folder (this procedure assumes C:\Windows) by typing the following command:

copy a:\decomp.exe c:\windows

2. Rename each outdated DLL file with the following command

rename \ .dll \ .old

where and refer to the specific path and filename.

3. Decompress the new DLL file to the proper folder. (Note the  different filename extension):

decomp a: .dl_ c:\windows\system\ .dll

Case 2: The error occurs when you open an existing publication. ---

The cause of this error may be an outdated printer driver. Change to a different printer or install a later version of the printer driver using Windows Control Panel. For more information about this procedure, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Article number: Q85887 Title        : "Call to Undefined Dynalink" Errors with Old Printer Drivers

Case 3: The error occurs when you start Publisher. --

Look for duplicate DLL files in the Windows folder and \System subfolder. Rename the duplicate DLL files in the Windows folder. Only one copy of each DLL file located in the \System folder is needed to run Windows.

For more information about duplicate DLL files in Windows, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Article number: Q84042 Title        : Windows Err Msg: Cannot Run This Program...

An incomplete network setup (setup/n) may also be the cause of this error. For more information, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Article number: Q112462 Title        : Error Installing Publisher on a Network Windows Installation

Additional query words: 2.00 2.00a pub20 error undefined dynalink