Get Shell32.dll -21787 Error Fixed

Follow the steps given below if you’re getting Shell32.dll -21787 error while using Windows 8.1/ 8/ 7/ Vista.

Disable Shell Extensions

The shell-extensions are context menu options. Problematic shell-extensions display shell32.dll -21787 error. Disable all third party shell-extensions.

For Windows 8.1/ 8 and Earlier Versions:

• Download ShellExView, a free tool that lets you view/ modify shell-extensions.
• Install the program and run it.
• The program will display list of all installed shell-extensions.
• Separately right click third party shell-extensions, select Disable option.
• Reboot the system.

Delete Search Pages

Modify the Internet Explorer registry settings as shown under:

For Windows 8.1/ 8:

• Press Windows Key + X.
• Click “Run”.
• Type “RegEdit”, click OK.
• Locate the following registry sub key:
  
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER | Software | Microsoft | Internet Explorer | Main
• Double click “Search Page” string.
• Replace its value with no text, i.e. delete existing value. Click OK.
• Close Registry Editor.

For Earlier Versions of Windows:

• Click the Start button.
• Type “RegEdit” and press ENTER.
• Refer Steps # 4-7 from Windows 8.1/ 8 user’s paragraph.

Delete Stream MRUs

In the Windows configuration sub keys you’ll find Stream MRUs. You may have to delete these strings in order to fix shell32.dll -21787 error.

For Windows 8.1/ 8 and Earlier Versions:

• Open Registry Editor as described in “Delete search pages” paragraph.
• Locate the following sub key:
  
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER | Software | Microsoft | Windows | CurrentVersion | Explorer | StreamMRU
• On the right hand panel you’ll find strings namely 0, MRUListEx (or any other strings, as the case may be). Delete those strings.
• Exit Registry Editor.

Change Disabled Sessions Settings

Change the settings related to disabled settings.

For Windows 8.1/ 8 and Earlier Versions:

• Open Registry Editor as described in “Delete search pages” paragraph.
• Locate the following sub key:
  
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE | SOFTWARE | Microsoft | SQMClient | Windows | DisabledSessions
• Delete a string named “MachineThrottling”.
• Close the window.

Reregister the DLL File

Using Command Prompt re-register the file.

For Windows 8.1/ 8:

• Press Windows Key + X.
• Click “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
• Type below command-
  
  regsvr32 shell32.dll
• Press ENTER.

For Earlier Versions of Windows:

• Click the Start button.
• Point to All Programs | Accessories.
• Right click “Command Prompt”, select Run as administrator.
• Refer Steps # 3-4 from Windows 8.1/ 8 user’s paragraph.

Check for Virus

Your computer may be infected by a virus or spyware. Download a powerful Antivirus program, scan for all drives and remove infected files. Reboot the PC to complete system disinfection process.