error on oleaut32.dll in windows me

[SUZY R]

what a pain this is! i have a program (access)running that halfway through is telling me that oleaut32.dll has an error.  windows me system file oleaut32.dll on my system is may 2000 ~ i have found an updated version of aug 2003 which is now downloaded.  my problem is ~ how, in easy steps please, do i overwrite the old with the new one.  i have tried putting the system into safe mode, but the sys file is being used so i cannot overwrite.

desparate, solution please! microsoft are their usual helpful selves!

[j2buttonsw]

I would rename the new oleaut32.dll oleaut32.new and place it in the same folder as the original oleaut32.dll I would then reboot the Windows ME to DOS (I think you can you do this) or boot it using the Windows ME startup diskette. Navigate (using DOS commands like CD or CD..) to the folder containing both oleaut32 files then type in ren oleaut32.dll oleaut32.old then return. This will rename your original file to one called oleaut32.old which you can use if the next bit goes wrong. Type in ren oleaut32.new oleaut32.dll then return. Then reboot. You will have updated the original oleaut32.dll file (now called oleaut32.old) using DOS.

[SUZY R]

Thanks j2  but I have had a look and may need it a little simpler than that ~ I do see your logic, and the goal but how do you get windows ME to Dos ?  ~ I have a startup disk but don't know what to point to next!  Don't understand Dos commands either ? ~ Feel really blonde today! ~ What I need is a walk through with no assumptions of knowledge!!

[j2buttonsw]

You can create a startup disk from Start > setting >control panel > add/remove programs > 3rd tab windows startup disk. Boot from this and no matter which option you chose it should get to the A:> DOS prompt. Type C: to get to the C:> drive then CD windows\system32 to get to C:\windows\system32 CD is change directory (I am assuming the file is in c:\windws\system32 although it may be in c:\program files\microsoft office\ you need to find this out and copy the renamed new file into it). If you need to go back type CD.. in my example this will return you to C:\windows You can use REN to rename files and the convention is REN oldfilename.xxx newfilename.xxx   If you get lost you can always press alt + ctrl + del together to get the machine to reboot. More DOS commands are here: http://www.computerhope.com/dostop10.htm