Error message every time that you restart the computer after you install Windows XP Service Pack 3

After you install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3), you can connect to the Internet by using wireless services. However, you receive one of the following error messages every time that you restart the computer:

Windows XP SP3 introduces a new .dll file that is named Wlanapi.dll. This file is installed in the %WINDIR%\System32 folder. Certain device driver installations for some third-party wireless network adapters also install a Wlanapi.dll file in the %WINDIR%\System32 folder. If a third-party network adapter file is installed in this folder before you install Windows XP SP3, the Wlanapi.dll file that is associated with the network adapter is replaced by the file from the Windows XP SP3 installation.

To resolve this issue, check the Web site of the wireless network adapter's manufacturer for the latest device drivers that are available for a Windows XP SP3-based system. Then, download and install the latest device drivers for the wireless network adapter. Depending on the manufacturer, this will either replace the Wlanapi.dll file or update the device driver software to support the Windows Wlanapi.dll file.

Notes

• This issue can also occur if you install (or reinstall) a device driver for a third-party wireless network adapter that was made available prior to the release of Windows XP SP3.
• The %WINDIR% environment variable typically corresponds to C:\Windows, or the location where Windows is installed.

If these methods did not resolved your issue, you may want to ask someone you know for help, or you may want to contact your ISP service or network administrator for help. You can also use the Microsoft Customer Support Services Web site to find other solutions to your problem. Services that the Microsoft Customer Support Services Web site provides include the following:

• Searchable Knowledge Base (http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1) : Search technical support information and self-help tools for Microsoft products.
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• Microsoft Product Support Newsgroups (http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/default.mspx) : Contact counterparts, peers, and Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs).
• Other Support Options (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=csshome) : Use the Web to ask a question, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services, or provide feedback.

If you continue to have problems after you use this issue or if you cannot find a solution to the problem on the Microsoft Support Services Web site, click the following link to contact Support.