Issues relating to msgsrv32

• Tip: If you are unable to boot into Windows because of the MSGSRV32 error, follow the steps below in Windows Safe Mode.

Resource conflict or issue

Before attempting any of the below recommendations, verify the computer has no conflicts or errors in Windows Device Manager. If conflicts or errors are present, it is highly recommended that they be fixed first, as they could be causing your issue.

TSRs or other running programs

If you are encountering the MSGSRV32 error when attempting to open a program or perform a particular task on a computer, verify startup programs or other TSRs are not causing your issues by End Tasking all TSRs and closing all programs before running or performing the task generating your MSGSRV32 error.

Sound driver or sound card issues

Verify the correct audio devices in Multimedia by following the steps below:

1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and then double-click the multimedia icon.
2. Verify that the playback device is set to the audio device in the computer.

Second, verify that your sound card has the latest drivers and updates installed from the computer or motherboard manufacturer (if onboard sound). A listing of computer sound drivers can be found on our sound card drivers page.

Onboard sound or video issue

• Troubleshooting on-board audio.
• Issues with adding new video card to computer that has on-board video.

MIDI device or codec issues

Verify that the computer has the proper MIDI codec and that no more than 11 MIDI devices are installed. To check this, follow the steps below:

1. Click Start, Settings, and then Control Panel
2. Double-click the Multimedia icon
3. Select the Advanced or Devices tab
4. Click the + next to "MIDI Devices and Instruments"
5. Verify that the correct codec is installed according to the sound card installed in the computer. In addition, verify that no more than 11 MIDI devices are listed below this category.

If more than 11 MIDI devices are installed or the improper codec appears to be installed, remove the improper codec or one of the MIDI devices. Note: if MIDI Express XT driver is installed, you may also want to remove this codec to help free up available space for additional MIDI devices.

Power Management or screensaver issue

If you are experiencing issues with MSGSRV32 after recovering from power management or when the computer has been idle for over 10 minutes, your computer may have issues with Power Management. To resolve these issues, try the below recommendations.

1. If any screensavers or CPU sharing programs such as SETI are running on the computer, temporally disable these programs to ensure they are not causing your issue.
2. If your issues persist, disable Power Management by clicking Start, Settings, Control Panel, and then Power. In the Power menu, disable or set the power settings to Off or Never. Once set, click ok or Apply and reboot the computer.

Microsoft Find Fast related issue

Ensure that Microsoft Find Fast is not being loaded in the startup group by clicking Start, Programs, and then Startup. If "Find Fast" or "Microsoft Find Fast" is listed, remove this program from automatically loading each time your computer boots; follow the steps below:

1. Click Start, Settings, and then Taskbar & Start Menu
2. Click Start Menu Programs tab
3. Click the Advanced button
4. Click the + next to Programs and then the + next to startup
5. Highlight the Find Fast icon and press the delete key on the keyboard.
6. Once removed, close out of all windows and reboot the computer to see if issue has been resolved.

Memory manager being used

If the computer has a memory manager installed such as QEMM, temporarily uninstall this program from the computer to ensure it is not causing your issue.

Issue with shell

If your are using a shell other than explorer.exe (standard Windows shell), the msgsrv32 error is being encountered because of the third-party shell. Temporarily disable or remove the third-party shell and use the standard Windows explorer.

Computer virus or back orifice

Errors relating to msgsrv32 can be caused by computer viruses, and in some cases back orifice, which is a hack utility used to gain access to an individual's computer.

Verify that you have the latest updates for your computer virus scanner and that no viruses have been detected on your computer.

• Computer virus information and help.

Other Software corruption

If you have attempted each of the above recommendations and your issue is not listed in the below specific MSGSRV32.DLL errors, your computer may have another software or data corruption causing the issue.

If you have not already attempted the recommendations on our basic troubleshooting page, try those recommendations now.

If you continue to experience issues it is recommended you format and reinstall the computer operating system.

Bad hardware

If after reinstalling the operating system you immediately continue to experience the MSGSRV32 errors, the computer may have bad hardware. If your sound card is not an onboard sound card and you are familiar with ESD, you may want to consider temporarily physically removing the sound card or DVD decoder cards and see if the issue persists.

Specific MSGSRV32.DLL errors

MSGSRV32.DLL caused a general protection fault in CM8330SB.DRV
MSGSRV32.EXE caused a general protection fault in CM8330SB.DRV
EXPLORER caused a general protection fault in CM8330SB.DRV
Iexplorer caused a general protection fault in CM8330SB.DRV

This issue is related to the C-Media 8330 sound card chipsets included in various computer sound cards and some modems. Verify with the sound card manufacturer, modem manufacturer, or, if you have an onboard sound card, the motherboard manufacturer, to see if any updated drivers or patches are available for your sound card and modem.

MSGSRV32 caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.dll during Microsoft Network (MSN) login or when attempting to open Internet Explorer or Microsoft Outlook

This issue may be encountered when the MSN password file is corrupt. To resolve this issue, follow the instructions below.

1. Click Start, Find, and then Files or Folders
2. In the Named field type:
   
   *.pwl
3. Verify that the Look in field is looking in the C: drive
4. Click Find Now
5. If files are found click Edit and click Select All.
6. Once all the files are highlighted, press the delete key.
7. Once the files have been deleted, reboot the computer, when the computer reboots, the pwl files should be recreated and you should then be able to log into MSN.
8. If this resolves your issue and you are running Windows 95, download the file mspwlupd.exe from our Windows 95 download page.

MSGSRV32 caused a general protection fault in KRNL386.EXE during windows install

This issue may be caused by a problem with the dblbuff.sys file. Microsoft has released a support fix for this issue, but to obtain the file you must contact Microsoft.

When browsing or installing device drivers, one of the following error messages occurs:
Msgsrv32 caused a General Protection Fault in module Kernel32
Msgsrv32 caused an invalid page fault in Msgrv32.dll
MSGSRV32 caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.dll
Msgsrv32 caused a General Protection Fault in Msgsrv32.exe

This issue may be caused by a problem with the msgrv32.exe file. Microsoft has released a support fix for this issue, but to obtain the file you must contact Microsoft.