How to Fix a Win32 Application Error in Windows ME
Eliminating Potential Viruses
1. Click on your antivirus software icon. Usually you can locate it on the bottom bar on the right side of your screen. Once you open the program, click on 'Computer Scanner' and then click on the 'Run Scan' or 'Start Scan' button. The virus scan will find and eliminate any harmful files that are linked to viruses present in your system. If you do not have antivirus software installed, install it to properly protect your computer. Download antivirus software like 'AVG Anti-Virus Free' to be able to follow this step.
2. Search online for a registry cleaner. You can get this for free. There are several available to download at Cnet.com. Once you find the registry cleaner, download and install it.
3. Click to open your registry cleaner, then run it. The registry cleaner will find and delete any harmful files left behind by the antivirus software.
Installing Updates
4. Go to the 'Start' menu. Click on the 'Control Panel' option. Once in the 'Control Panel' menu, click on 'Performance and Maintenance.'
5. Click on the 'Windows Updates' option. Select the 'Check for Updates' option on the left pane of the 'Windows Update' menu, then wait for updates to appear.
6. Click on the 'Install updates' tab or select each program you want to update. This option varies depending on your computer. If you have an administrative password, you might be asked to input it. Let the system download the updates.
Close the Ports
7. Go to the 'Start' menu and click on the 'Run' option. This will open a small box. Type 'regedit' in the box and click on the 'Enter' tab. This will open the 'Registry Editor' on your screen.
8. Click the folder 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.' This will drop down a list of sub-folders. Click on the 'SYSTEM' sub-folder. Click on 'CurrentControlSet,' which will show another list of sub-folders.
9. Click on 'Services,' which will show another list of sub-folders. Choose 'NETBT' and on the list of sub-folders, click on 'Parameters.' On the main menu you will see a list of names. Double-click on the 'TransportBindName' (usually last on the list) to open it. A small box will open. Delete any information written in the 'Value data' box. Click 'OK.'
10. Go back to the 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.' Click on 'Software' to get the list of sub-folders under it. Scroll to the 'Microsoft' sub-folder and click on the 'Ole' sub-folder. Double-click on the 'EnableDCOM' option in the center of the window. The 'Value Data' will pop up. Delete the 'Y' and change it to an 'N.' Click 'OK.'
11. Restart your computer for all the changes to take place. The registry will now keep the ports closed. Consequently the Win32 errors should cease.