Overcoming User32.dll Initialization Failure Errors

Last reviewed: September 23, 1997

Article ID: Q142676

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you try to start a service a pop-up dialog box appears with the following message:

<ServiceName> - DLL initialization failure Initialization of the dynamic link library c:\windows\system32\user32.dll failed. The process is terminating abnormally.

CAUSE

The system has run out of memory to create a new desktop heap for the service being started.

RESOLUTION

Fixing this problem requires editing of the Registry and restarting the computer concerned.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

1. Run the Registry Editor(Regedt32.exe).

2. Under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE subtree, go to the following subkey:

\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\SessionManager\

SubSystems\Windows

The default data for this value will look something like the following (all on one line):

  %SystemRoot%\system32\csrss.exe ObjectDirectory=\WindowsSharedSection=1024,3072 Windows=On SubSystemType=Windows ServerDll=basesrv,1 ServerDll=winsrv:UserServerDllInitialization,3 ServerDll=winsrv:ConServerDllInitialization,2 ProfileControl=Off MaxRequestThreads=16

You will need to make the following change to this value:

Scan along the line until you reach the part that defines the SharedSection values and add ",512" after the second number. This value should now look something like the following:

%SystemRoot%\system32\csrss.exe ObjectDirectory=\WindowsSharedSection=1024,3072,512 Windows=On SubSystemType=WindowsServerDll=basesrv,1 ServerDll=winsrv:UserServerDllInitialization,3 ServerDll=winsrv:ConServerDllInitialization,2 ProfileControl=Off MaxRequestThreads=16

After making this change, close Regedt32 and restart the server.

This change will limit the size of desktop heaps created by noninteractive services to 512 KB, which should be ample for most services.