Windows – How to fix WOW64.dll error

dllwindowswindows 7

My system shows an error message;

C:\Windows\system32\wow64.dll is either not designed to run on
windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again
using the original installation media or contact your system
administrator or the software vendor for support.

This message appears when trying to open all programs, internet explorer, windows live, office suite programs etc.

How can I fix this?

Best Answer

I started experiencing the WOW64.DLL error when my Windows updates failed. I spent a total of 9 hours battling this issue as no application or internet browser launched causing more frustration. I finally resolved this issue with the following steps:

  1. Procure a copy of WOW64.DLL located at C:\Windows\System32 from a different Windows 7 PC (I used a friend's PC). Copy it to a USB drive.

  2. Restart your PC in Safe Mode (press the F8 key during the boot process).

  3. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32, right-click on Wow64.dll and select Properties.

  4. Within the Wow64.dll Properties window, go to the Security tab and click on Advanced.

  5. Go to the Owner tab and change the Owner to Administrators (the current owner normally would be TrustedInstaller). Alternatively, this can also be achieved using an elevated Command Prompt:

    • Within the elevated Command Prompt, navigate to C:\Windows\System32

    • Enter the following command:

      TAKEOWN /F WOW64.DLL

      You should receive a confirmation message saying "SUCCESS: The file (or folder): "filename" now owned by user "Computer Name\User name"."

    • Upon success, enter the following command:

      ICACLS WOW64.DLL /grant administrators:F

  6. Delete or move your current Wow64.dll to a different folder.

  7. Copy the external copy of Wow64.dll (from step 1 above) to your system's C:\Windows\System32 folder.

  8. Restart your PC normally.

These steps resolved my issue.

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