Riched32.dll Error Message When Starting E-Mail Program or WordPad

When you attempt to compose a message in Outlook Express, you may receive one of the following error messages: When you attempt to compose a new message in Microsoft Exchange or Microsoft Windows Messaging, you may receive one of the following error messages: When you attempt to start WordPad, you may receive the following error message:

These error messages can occur if the Riched32.dll file in the Windows\System folder is missing or damaged. The first error message listed for each program occurs if the Riched32.dll is missing. Subsequent error messages indicate that the Riched32.dll file is damaged.

The Riched32.dll File Is Missing

If the Riched32.dll file is missing, WordPad may not be installed. To determine if WordPad is installed, double-click the Add/Remove Programs tool in Control Panel, click the Windows Setup tab, click Accessories, and then click Details. If the WordPad check box is not selected, click to select it, click OK, and then click OK again.

If WordPad is installed, extract the Riched32.dll file from the original Windows 95 or Windows 98 disks or CD-ROM to the Windows\System folder. For information about how to extract a file, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Extracting the Riched32.dll file instead of removing and reinstalling WordPad is preferred because removing and reinstalling WordPad removes components used by Microsoft Exchange and Windows Messaging.

The Riched32.dll File Is Damaged

If the Riched32.dll file exists, it may be damaged. To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.
2. In the Named box, type riched32.dll, and then click Find Now.
3. In the list of found files, right-click the Riched32.dll file, click Rename, type a new name for the Riched32.dll file (such as Riched32.xxx), and then press ENTER.
   
   NOTE: If you receive an "Access is denied" error message when you attempt to rename the Riched32.dll file, follow these steps:
   
   
   1. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart in MS-DOS mode, and then click OK.
   2. At the command prompt, type the following commands, pressing ENTER after each command:
      cd\windows\system
      ren riched32.dll riched32.xxx
      exit
4. Extract the Riched32.dll file from the original Windows 95 or Windows 98 disks or CD-ROM to the Windows\System folder. For information about how to extract a file, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
   129605  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/129605/EN-US/ ) How to Extract Original Compressed Windows Files