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How to Fix propsys.dll Error

By Pete F Morgan

"Propsys.dll" is a Windows system file formerly known as the "Windows Desktop search". A "propsys" error may happen when you see a "propsys.dll is missing" when you boot your system. Here are some ways to resolve problems with the Propsys.dll file.

Replace the corrupted file

The Propsys error may be caused a corrupt file. One possible solution then, is to get a fresh propsys.dll file. Once you have the working file, simply paste it into the location of the files. In 32-bit systems, you can locate them in the C:/Windows/System32 folder and in C:/Windows/SysWOW64 folder in 64-bit systems.

While this seems like a very simple task, it is still highly not recommended, as there is a big chance to only aggravate the problem, especially if you are not an adept computer user. DLLs may have various versions, and getting the wrong version will not resolve your problem. Malicious files may also be masked as these files. Your system may end up infected and more files may be damaged in the process.

Clean up the Windows Registry

Improper Installation or Uninstallation as well as file damage can cause problems in Windows Registry. When a registry entry is corrupted and a file attempts to references it, this will lead to an error. Checking for Registry errors is highly recommended. However, due to the sensitivity of files on the Windows Registry, it is not advised to manually edit them.

Accessing the Windows Registry:

1. Click the Start button or the Windows button
2. Without hitting enter, type "CMD"
3. Hold "ctrl + shift" before hitting enter. A dialog box, which will ask for your permission, will appear. Click Yes. IMPORTANT: This step cannot be skipped. This will activate administrator mode, and the next steps require you to be in this mode.
4. Type "regedit" on the command prompt.
5. The Registry Editor window should appear

As you will see, the Registry editor is not user friendly at all, and requires a lot of computer repair know-how just to be able to course through the entries. It's best to leave the job to registry cleaner programs.

Scan your system for any harmful files

You may be getting tired of seeing this in every guide and how-to site. But it cannot be stressed enough that malicious files such as malware, viruses and worms are grave threats to any computer system and can cause a multitude of errors. Malicious software can overwrite, corrupt and delete system files. Scan your system for any harmful file and delete them from your computer.

It's best to make checking your system a habit. After all, prevention is better than cure. Make sure that you have updated antivirus software and that it is running at all times, especially when you're browsing the internet. Also, be careful on which sites you visit. High-risk sites like pornographic and illegal download sites may be hosting harmful files.

Use Windows System File Checker

Windows System File Checker is a very handy program that can scan the system for corrupted and damaged files and restore them. If it does find a corrupted system file, it will look for a replacement from the DLL Cache. In the event that the DLL Cache does not have the damaged DLL file or the DLL Cache itself is corrupted, you will need the original Windows disk.

Using System File Checker:

1. Click the Start button on the screen or the Windows key on your keyboard
2. Without hitting enter, type "cmd" on the search box.
3. Hold ctrl + shift and then hit enter. A dialog box, which will ask for your permission, will appear. Click Yes. IMPORTANT: This step cannot be skipped. This will activate administrator mode, and the next steps require you to be in this mode.
4. The command prompt will appear. Type "sfc/scannow" and hit enter.
5. Grab a drink. The system scan might take a while depending on how big your system is.
6. Follow the next instructions in case the scan reveals some errors.
7. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.