Function of the Windows 32-Bit Message Server

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This article was previously published under Q138708

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SUMMARY

This article describes the purpose of the Windows 32-bit message server (Msgsrv32.exe).

MORE INFORMATION

Msgsrv32.exe is a program that runs invisibly on the Windows desktop and performs several background functions necessary for Windows operation. These functions include:

Mediate Plug and Play messages among various parts of the operating system.
Coordinate automatic responses to Setup programs. This includes checking whether a Setup program has improperly overwritten Windows files, and optionally restoring the Windows versions of those files.
Display the initial logon dialog box if networking is enabled.
Play the system startup and shutdown sounds.
Load installable Windows drivers at startup and unload them at shutdown.
Run the shell program (usually Explorer.exe) and re-run the shell if it fails to respond.