[Solved] How to Fix RunDLL Error “There was a problem starting” “The specified module could not be found”

The RunDLL error “There was a problem starting” with a detailed message “The specified module could not be found” prompt when Windows startup, open a hard drive or shortcut that is pointing to an executable stored in the hard disk. This RunDLL error is confirmed to occur on Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. Follow the resolution steps below to resolve this RunDLL error.

Content Summary

Solution 1: Execute Windows Defender Full Scan
Solution 2: Remove BackgroundContainer task
Solution 3: Remove autorun.inf using command
Solution 4: Remove autorun.inf via registry key
Solution 5: Execute SFC
Solution 6: Execute CHKDSK

Solution 1: Execute Windows Defender Full Scan

Step 1: Press Windows key once

Step 2: Type security in the search box.

Step 3: Select Windows Security.

Step 4: Choose Virus & Threat protection > Scan options > Full scan > Scan now button.

Solution 2: Remove BackgroundContainer task

Step 1: Press Windows + R on to open Run box.

Step 2: Type taskschd.msc and press Enter.

Step 3: Click on Task Scheduler Library.

Step 4: Right-click on the BackgroundContainer task and select Delete.

Solution 3: Remove autorun.inf using command

Step 1: Press Windows key once

Step 2: Type cmd in the search box.

Step 3: Choose Run as administrator to open an elevated command prompt.

Step 4: Enter the following command to navigate to the root location: CD X:\
* Replace X with the drive letter.

Step 5: Type the following command and press Enter after each one to delete the autorun.inf file forcefully:
Attrib -r -s -h X:\autorun.inf
Del /F X:\autorun.inf

Step 6: Close the elevated CMD prompt and restart the computer.

Solution 4: Remove autorun.inf via registry key

Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open Run box.

Step 2: Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor. If the UAC (User Account Control) prompt, click on Yes to grant admin access.

Step 3: Navigate to the following location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Step 4: Verify all the key in the right-hand pane to confirm doesn’t contain evidence of a PuP (Potentially unwanted Program) or remnants of a malware program. if yes then right-click on it and choose Delete from the context menu.

Step 5: Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 at the following location:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

Step 6: Close Registry Editor and restart the computer.

Solution 5: Execute SFC

Step 1: Press Windows key once

Step 2: Type cmd in the search box.

Step 3: Choose Run as administrator to open an elevated command prompt.

Step 4: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Solution 6: Execute CHKDSK

Execute an Automatic CHKDSK scan with the ‘Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors’ option.
Step 1: Press Windows key once

Step 2: Type cmd in the search box.

Step 3: Choose Run as administrator to open an elevated command prompt.

Step 4: Type chkdsk X: /r and press Enter. Replace X with the drive letter you want to check.