Member Avatar for LukeSkywalker

wHEN I FIRST LOG ONTO my screename for windows xp, i get a box saying

RUNDLL
error loading C:/windows/downloaded program files/Bridge.

the specific module could not be found.

then there is an hour glass next to the arrow(sometimes flashing+not when anything is loading).

when i log off i get

the application failed to initialize because the window station is shutting down

+

WTOOLSA.EXE-DLL initialization failed.

please help end this annoyance

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Dani AI

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reported a persistent RUNDLL/startup problem that other members (, ) correctly identified as most often caused by a leftover browser ActiveX/adware component. ’s link to a “DLL fixer” is a common quick-fix suggestion, but unknown DLL-fixing utilities can make cleanup harder or introduce new problems.

Best-first cleanup (ordered):

  • Restart into Safe Mode (F8 at boot) so the offending component is not running.
  • Update and run a modern anti‑malware scanner (for example, Malwarebytes) and a full antivirus scan; quarantine and remove anything found.
  • Use a startup inspector (msconfig or Autoruns from Sysinternals) to disable or remove entries that reference unfamiliar files or components.
  • Remove browser ActiveX/Downloaded Program Files entries via Internet Explorer’s “View Objects” / Manage Add‑ons and delete unknown objects, then clear Temporary Internet Files.

If the automated tools do not finish the job:

  • Make a registry backup first. Inspect Run/RunOnce keys (HKLM and HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run) and carefully remove entries that clearly point to nonstandard files. Export any key before editing.
  • Rename or move the suspicious file (don’t delete immediately) and reboot; this keeps a recoverable copy if needed.
  • Use Last Known Good configuration or a system restore point if changes make the system unstable.

Avoid unknown “registry/DLL fixer” downloads from random sites. Prefer reputable anti‑malware scanners and Autoruns for persistent items. If removal is completed, run a second full antivirus scan and monitor startup for repeat entries—persistent reappearance usually means another component is still installed and needs the same treatment.

Recommended Answers

All 5 Replies

Member Avatar for Paladine

Have you recent installed or uninstalled anything?

You could also try this little program to clear up the problem, but I will still look into the issue when I get off work.

:p

Member Avatar for alc6379

Try doing a search for "bridge.dll" in the forum. This topic has been discussed a number of times.

I believe the general concensus here is that "Bridge" is related in some way or other to spyware...

Member Avatar for DMR

I believe the general concensus here is that "Bridge" is related in some way or other to spyware...

Yeah, it definitely is. It's at least related to the Golden Palace/Gold Casino" malware packages, might be a component of other malicious programs as well.

Moving to the Security forum- you'll find the fix for the bridge.dll problem in many of the threads there.

Member Avatar for CRIS_650510

what did u do to get rid of this problem i have the same problemm man... iam just exsausted... i have done everything to try to fix.. it but i can''t what can i do.. man what have u done to fix it well. reply back if u have a solution.. for me.. thankz bye

Member Avatar for DMR

CRIS_650510,

We ask that members not tag their questions on to a thread already started by another member. When multiple questions start getting asked within a single thread it can quickly get confusing to follow which answers relate to which question. This is known as "thread hijacking", and it isn't really fair to the original thread-starter, as it take the focus away from his/her question.

You need to start your own thread for your question here in the security forum.

Thanks for understanding... :)

- Dave

By the way: when you do post your new thread, please give us as much information as possible concerning the nature of the problem or problems and what fixes you've tried so far. That will help us get you a solution more quickly.

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