Member Avatar for echendrix1271

undefinedundefinedI have been using Microsoft Office 2003 for 2 years with no problems. 2 nights ago I tried to get into excel. all I got was an error. I messed with it for awhile. Then removed it with the intension of just reinstalling it. The file MSOHEV.DLL will not delete, or let me move it. I am running XP. Can you tell me how to get rid of it?

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Short, practical context: MSOHEV.DLL is a genuine Microsoft Office library (it appears in Office/Excel Viewer update manifests), so it is normally part of Office installs and should not be casually removed. That said, the same filename has also been used by malware (notably the Floxif/Floxif campaign tied to compromised CCleaner installers), so an unexpected copy in your Program Files can be either a leftover from Office or a sign of infection. ’s unregister-and-delete advice and the Pocket KillBox outcome that reported are valid fixes when the file is just a locked DLL, but it is worth taking a diagnostic-first approach. Microsoft: Excel Viewer file list (msohev.dll) (support.microsoft.com) ESET: CCleaner/Floxif advisory (support.eset.com)

If the file refuses deletion because it is in use, identify the owner before forcing anything. Run Process Explorer as Administrator, use the Find (Ctrl+F) -> search for the DLL name, then inspect the owning process; alternatively use the Sysinternals Handle utility for a command-line lookup. Once you know which process has it loaded you can stop or uninstall that program (or close the handle from Process Explorer), then try deletion or reboot. Closing handles can crash apps—use caution and prefer stopping the associated process first. Process Explorer (Sysinternals) (learn.microsoft.com) Handle (Sysinternals) (learn.microsoft.com)

If there is any chance the DLL is malicious or corrupted, verify the file’s digital signature/owner, run an offline/boot-time malware scan, and only then remove or replace it. Microsoft Defender offline scans can detect persistent infections; if the DLL belongs to a legitimately installed Office component but is damaged, run Office repair or reinstall the suite. When in doubt, back up data and prioritize a full malware scan before modifying system/Office files. Microsoft: Defender offline / Virus & threat protection (support.microsoft.com) Microsoft: Repair an Office application (learn.microsoft.com)

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Member Avatar for DMR

Two things you can try:

1. See if you can delete the file when booted into Safe Mode. You get to the safe mode boot option by hitting the F8 key as your computer is starting up.

2. You may need to unregister the dll before you can delete it:

- Open a DOS box by typing "cmd" (omit the quotes) in the "Run.." option under your Start button menu.

- At the command prompt in the DOS window, type the following command (replace the example path to the msohev.dll file below with the full, correct path to the file's location on your particular system):

regsvr32 /u C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\msohev.dll

Close the DOS window after the command command completes and see if you can then delete the file (you might have to reboot before you try the deletion).

Member Avatar for echendrix1271

I tried the 2 things you suggested and they didn't work. In the safe mode I got the same message. From the command mode I got the message. Load Library (D:\Program")Failed- The specified module could not be found. I tried several times and check my spelling every time. Do you have any other ideas I could try???

Member Avatar for DMR

Try this:

- Download and unzip The Pocket Killbox: http://www.subratam.org/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=41

- Open the program, click on the folder button to the right of the "Full Path of File to Delete" box, and browse to the msohev.dll file. Hilight the file and then click OK.

- Select "delete on reboot" and put a check in the "unregister dll before deleting" box.

- Click the red button with the "X" in it and then choose Yes in the next two dialog boxes that pop up to reboot and complete the deletion process.

If the killbox is able to do its job, msohev.dll should be gone after the reboot.

Member Avatar for echendrix1271

DMR You are the greatest. The kill box worked. I really am thankful for your help. Thank you! :) :D :cheesy:

Member Avatar for DMR

DMR You are the greatest

Aww... cut it out now- you'll give me a complex or something. :o

I am but a lowly geek with an insatiable desire to help people fix their problems; glad I could help with yours.

:)

Member Avatar for jude2000

thanx, i have solved my own problem like this

Member Avatar for ThereIsNoSpoon

Try this:

- Download and unzip The Pocket Killbox: http://www.subratam.org/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19&Itemid=41

- Open the program, click on the folder button to the right of the "Full Path of File to Delete" box, and browse to the msohev.dll file. Hilight the file and then click OK.

- Select "delete on reboot" and put a check in the "unregister dll before deleting" box.

- Click the red button with the "X" in it and then choose Yes in the next two dialog boxes that pop up to reboot and complete the deletion process.

If the killbox is able to do its job, msohev.dll should be gone after the reboot.

:!: THANKS A TON:!: I messed with this issue cause some user tried to burn Office 11 with MS Windows burning app. When I tried to delete it from the burning que, you guessed it, no way - not even in safe mode or command line to unregister the .dll. Anyways Pocket KillBox worked perfectly, and your instructions where right on the money!

Member Avatar for GerkMulder

It doesn't seem to work for me unfortunately, i have tried everything but nothing seems to delete the file! :-(

Can you please help me?

Member Avatar for bugmenot

It doesn't seem to work for me unfortunately, i have tried everything but nothing seems to delete the file! :-(

Can you please help me?

No, the DMR's method works. You just have to start command prompt cmd at START/RUN. Then you navigate in CMD to the folder where this crazy nasty file is, in this case the Office 10 folder. Once you are there, you type regsvr....... bla bla after /u put just the file name MSOHEV.DLL. And hit enter.

After a few seconds it will tell you it has been done. They you can delete the file immediately or after next reboot (depends on whether you reboted computer since you uninstalled Office.)

The Killbox.exe method should also work. This is like taking a canon to hit a fly.

Cheers.

Member Avatar for charles27

Man thats shit really works thanx. I been dealing with that problem, for some time now, but now it`s gone, thanx for the help.:)

Member Avatar for conichi

Thanks for this thread.

Hm, the solution to echendrix1271 are the quotation marks. " c:\program files\etc " and also office10 or office11 good luck, Cristian.

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