Error Message: Msgsrv32 Caused a General Protection Fault in User.exe
The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

When you start or shut down your computer, you may receive the following error message:

Msgsrv32 Caused a General Protection Fault in User.exe

 


CAUSE

This behavior can occur if you have faulty computer hardware or a damaged driver or program, or if your Windows core files are damaged.


RESOLUTION

To work around this issue, you must first determine whether it is caused by software or hardware. If you restart your computer in Safe mode and the error message does not occur, the origin is more likely to be a driver or program. If you restart your computer in Safe mode and the error message does occur, the issue is more likely to be hardware or damaged Windows core files.

  1. Restart your computer, press and hold down the CTRL key until you see the Windows 98 Startup menu, and then choose Safe Mode.

  2. Test your computer in Safe mode. If the error message does not occur, use the following steps to use the System Configuration utility to identify the program or driver that may be causing the error message.

    If the error message does occur, there may be a problem with your Windows installation or you may be experiencing a symptom of faulty hardware. See the "Testing the Hardware" section of this article.

    After your computer restarts in Safe mode, use the System Configuration utility (Msconfig.exe) to minimize conflicts that may be causing the error message:

    1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Information.

    2. On the Tools menu, click System Configuration Utility.

    3. On the General tab, click Selective Startup, and then click to clear the following check boxes:

      • Process Config.sys File
      • Process Autoexec.bat File
      • Process Winstart.bat File (if available)
      • Process System.ini File
      • Process Win.ini File
      • Load Startup Group Items

    4. Click OK, and then restart your computer normally when you are prompted. After you restart and test your computer, if you still do not receive the error message, continue with the next set of steps.

To identify the entry that is causing the error message:
  1. Run the System Configuration utility again. Click to select one check box under Selective Startup, click OK, restart your computer, and then test.

  2. Continue this process until you have selected all of the items under Selective Startup. If you select an item and the issue reoccurs, click the tab for the corresponding Selective Startup item, clear half of the check boxes, click OK, and then restart your computer. Continue this process until you locate the setting that is causing the issue.

  3. If you can restart your computer successfully when all of the items are selected, run the System Configuration utility, click Normal Startup, click OK, and then restart your computer.

    For additional information about using Msconfig.exe, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
    Q192926 How to Perform Clean-Boot Troubleshooting for Windows 98

Testing the Hardware

To test your computer hardware, the most efficient method is to install Windows in a new (or "clean") folder. If the issue occurs after you have a "clean" installation, your issue is probably caused by faulty hardware. Contact your hardware manufacturer or have your hardware checked by a hardware specialist. To install Windows in a new folder, use the steps in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:
Q193902 How to Install Windows 98 in a New Folder
If the issue is resolved after you install Windows in a "clean" folder, either your Windows core files are damaged, or there is a setting in your original installation that is causing the problem. You can continue to use the new installation, but you must reinstall your programs. If you want to return to your original installation of Windows and continue troubleshooting, use the steps in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base articles:
Q193902 How to Install Windows in a New Folder
Q192926 How to Perform Clean-Boot Troubleshooting for Windows 98