Article ID: 282747 - Last Review: December 1, 2007 - Revision: 2.3

Error Message When You Run Regsvr32.exe on 64-Bit Windows

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This article was previously published under Q282747
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SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to run Regsvr32.exe to register a 32-bit dynamic-link library (DLL) on a 64-bit version of Windows, you receive the following error message:
Filename.dll is not an executable file and no registration helper is registered for this file type.
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CAUSE

This behavior occurs because the Regsvr32.exe file in the System32 folder is a 64-bit version. When you run Regsvr32 to register a DLL, you are using the 64-bit version by default.
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RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, run Regsvr32.exe from the %SystemRoot%\Syswow64 folder. For example, type the following commands to register the DLL:
cd \windows\syswow64
regsvr32 c:\filename.dll
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STATUS

This behavior is by design.
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MORE INFORMATION

The Syswow64 folder contains the 32-bit versions of Windows program files and DLLs.
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Advanced Server, Limited Edition
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Keywords: 
kberrmsg kbprb KB282747
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