Error: "This application uses Ctl3d32.dll . . .

" during or after the Symantec

AntiVirus Corporate Edition installation

Question/Issue:
When you install Symantec AntiVirus, you see the error message "This application
uses Ctl3d32.dll, which is not the correct version. This version of Ctl3d32.dll is
designed only for Windows NT." This error message may also appear when updating
the virus definitions. In some cases, Symantec AntiVirus installs successfully,
but when you log on to the computer, you see the error message "This application
uses Ctl3d32.dll which has not been correctly installed. The .dll file must be
installed in the windows system folder." After you click OK, the error message
disappears, and Symantec AntiVirus works as expected.

Cause:
vptray.exe timing issue

Solution:
This problem has more than one cause, so more than one solution is provided. To
fix the problem, try each of the following solutions in the order that they
appear.

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Note: On systems with a previous installation of Norton AntiVirus
5/2000/2001/2002/2003 it is recommended that you download and run the Rnav2003.exe
uninstallation tool and then reinstall Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition. Click
this document for details: How to uninstall Norton AntiVirus by using the
Rnav2003.exe removal tool.
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WARNING: Symantec AntiVirus must be uninstalled before you run Rnav2003.exe!

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Check the file size of the Ctl3d32.dll file

Check the version of the Ctl3d32.dll file. For Windows 95/98 systems, this file is
located in the C:\Windows\System folder. For Windows NT/2000/XP systems, this file
is located in the C:\Winnt\System32 folder. The correct version is 2.31.0.0 or
later. File sizes for version 2.31.0.0 are listed below by operating system. A
different byte size may be an indication that the file is corrupted.

Windows version File size

Windows NT/2000/XP 26.5 KB (27,136 bytes)
Windows 98 44.0 KB (45,056 bytes)
Windows 95 26.0 KB (26,624 bytes)

You can also use newer versions. The file may be corrupted, even though the latest
version is displayed. If you suspect that the file is not correct based on the
version or size, replace it by following the instructions that apply to your
operating system.
To replace the Ctl3d32.dll file for Window 95/98/Me
Open Windows Explorer, and then search for all copies of Ctl3d32.dll.
Rename all instances of Ctl3d32.dll to Ctl3d32.old.
You will often see a message indicating that this file is in use and cannot be
renamed. Under Windows 9x, you may need to restart to DOS mode or Safe mode to
rename the file.
Obtain a copy of the Ctl3d32.dll file from either another computer with the same
operating system which does not display the error or from Microsoft.
Read the "To obtain the Ctl3d32.dll file" section for more information.
Place the Ctl3d32.dll into the correct folder for your operating system.
Read the section "Check the file size of the Ctl3d32.dll file" for more
information.
Restart the computer, and then reinstall Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition or
Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition.

To replace the Ctl3d32.dll file for Window NT/2000/XP/2003

Open Windows Explorer, and then search for all copies of Ctl3d32.dll.
Rename all instances of Ctl3d32.dll to Ctl3d32.old.
You will often see a message indicating that this file is in use and cannot be
renamed. If the files are in use, you may need to restart to DOS mode or Safe mode
to rename them.
Restart the computer, and then reinstall Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition or
Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition.
Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition or Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition will
install a version of Ctl3d32.dll that it can use. You also have the option to use
a file from Microsoft or another source. Read the section "To obtain the
Ctl3d32.dll file" for more information.

To obtain the Ctl3d32.dll file

You can replace the existing Ctl3d32.dll file with a file from a computer that
does not display the error message. Additionally, Microsoft provides updated
Ctl3d32.dll files for updates to programs and operating systems. The following is
a URL to one updated version of Ctl3d32.dll contained in the Microsoft Data Access
Component (MDAC).

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-
us/dnmdac/html/data_mdacinstall.asp

You can also locate Ctl3d32.dll by searching the Microsoft site using the
following URL.

http://search.microsoft.com/default.asp?siteid=us

Move Vptray.exe to the StartUp folder

In some cases, the error is solved by moving the Vptray.exe from the registry to
the StartUp folder in the Start menu. There appears to be a timing conflict with
Vptray.exe, the application that displays the virus protection shield in the
system tray. To solve the problem, move Vptray.exe from the registry to the
StartUp folder in the Start menu. This causes Vptray.exe to load at the end of the
startup sequence.

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WARNING: We strongly recommend that you back up the system registry before making
any changes. Incorrect changes to the registry could result in permanent data loss
or corrupted files. Please make sure you modify only the keys specified. See the
document How to Back Up the Windows 95/98/NT Registry before proceeding.
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To edit the registry

Click Start > Run.
In the Run dialog box, type regedit and then click OK.
In the Registry Editor, go to the following subkey:

HKEY_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Delete VPTRAY.
Click the Registry menu, and then click Exit to save the changes and close the
Registry Editor.

To place a shortcut to Vptray.exe in the StartUp folder

Open Windows Explorer.
Go to the folder where Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition or Norton AntiVirus
Corporate Edition is installed.
Right-click Vptray.exe, and then click Copy.
If you are running Windows 2000, then navigate to the C:\Documents and
\Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp folder. If you are running Windows
NT 4.0, then navigate to the C:\Winnt\Profiles\All Users\Start
Menu\Programs\StartUp folder. If you are running Windows 95/98, then navigate to
the C:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp folder.
Click the Edit menu, and then click Paste Shortcut.
Do not click Paste, rather click Paste Shortcut. Paste and Paste Shortcut are two
different Edit menu items that perform two different functions.
Close Explorer.
Log out and then log back in for the changes to take effect.

This will cause Vptray.exe to load later in the startup process.