Win32 Troubleshooting

Reader Question:
“Hi Wally, I am having problems with Win32 and wondering how to fix it?” - Katherine K., USA

Before addressing any computer issue, I always recommend scanning and repairing any underlying problems affecting your PC health and performance:

Step 1 : Download PC Repair & Optimizer Tool (WinThruster for Win 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP and 2000 – Microsoft Gold Certified).
Step 2 : Click “Start Scan” to find Windows registry issues that could be causing PC problems.
Step 3 : Click “Repair All” to fix all issues.

Setting up weekly (or daily) automatic scans will help prevent system problems and keep your PC running fast and trouble-free.

Wally’s Answer:

Overview of Win32

Win32 is the term most people use to refer to the Window Application Program Interfaces. Most computer technicians and programmers prefer to use the term WinAPI.

Originally, Win32 was used to refer to the Windows API for 32-bit versions of Windows. There are also Win16 and Win64 to refer to 16 bit and 64-bit windows respectively. Win32 is responsible for ensuring clear and smooth communication between the Windows operating system and the various applications installed on a computer.

Each application installed on a computer will create a dynamic link library file (DLL file) in the Win32 folder of the computer’s operating system. This DLL file is required to start and run the program. DLL files are used to ensure the language the program was written in is able to be understood by the operating system.

When the DLL files become damaged, will not run because the computer cannot understand the commands the program is trying to execute.

What Problems are Associated with Win32?

The most common error users will encounter is, “Generic Host Process for Win32 Services has encountered a problem and needs to close.” There are a few reasons this error might occur.

The most common reason is a virus, Trojan, or worm infection on the computer. Running an anti-virus program to search for and remove the infection will often resolve the issue.

Another common cause is an outdated driver, typically a printer or scanner driver. The driver is incompatible with the version of generic host win32 currently installed. Updating the driver will be necessary to prevent the error from continuing to happen.

Another common error is, “Not a valid Win32 application.” This error message also includes the location of the program identified as not being valid. This usually happens when the program file is damaged or corrupt. Some applications can be repaired; others will need to be reinstalled.

In some cases, the program is not compatible with the Windows operating system. Some programs designed for Windows XP cannot be used on a computer running Vista or Windows 7, for instance.

Another reason is hardware incompatibility. This is most common with games. Many games will require a high-performance video card to work properly. If the video card installed on the computer does not meet the game’s minimum requirements, the game cannot be run.

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Is Your PC Healthy?

I always recommend to my readers to regularly use a trusted registry cleaner and optimizer such as WinThruster or CCleaner. Many problems that you encounter can be attributed to a corrupt and bloated registry.

Happy Computing!

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About the Author

Wally PhillipsWindows Wally is a helpful guy. It’s just in his nature. It’s why he started a blog in the first place. He heard over and over how hard it was to find simple, plain-English solutions to Windows troubleshooting problems on the Internet. Enter: Windows Wally. Ask away, and he will answer.