Windows XP error message, will not run anything

[theintrospect]

I have a dell optiplex p4@2.4Ghz/40gb hd/512mbRAM and everytime I start it up I get this message: Error loading C:\Windows\shoat.dll

Can anyone be of any help? I've never experienced this before. I cant run any programs, it just keeps popping up that error message.Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[thehighroad]

you may have a virus that deleted that file, or simply the deletion is a result of corruption. Try finding the file on a trusted DLL replacement website, then register it with RUN (instructions are available elsewhere).

If that doesn't work run your recovery CD or DVD, provided by dell.

 

[mflynn]

Very likely you have Malware as (1). this is not a common file goggle yields little and (2). MicroSoft stores most all DLL files in system32.

Do the TechSpot 8 steps: https://www.techspot.com/community/...lware-removal-preliminary-instructions.58138/

Get us the logs!

Mike