How to Resolve System 32 Error in Windows Operating System

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Co-authored by Scott St Gelais

Last Updated: March 10, 2025

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Causes of System 32 error:

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How to Prevent System 32 error

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Q&A

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Tips

System 32 error is the most common error which can halt the smooth work flow and make you feel dejected. Most of the people are still searching about “What is System 32 error?” why it happens? How does it affect? And what you can do to eliminate it? If you are also one of them then your search ends here, in this article I will let you know about the answers of all your questions regarding the System 32 error. I have looked up several forums, tech blogs and well renowned websites to collect the information.

System 32 is the one of the most important file hidden inside your computer which contains vital information required to function your computer properly. System 32 files generally located in the system drive C:\Windows\System32 in my PC (location on your computer can be different).

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Causes of System 32 error:

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The most common reason of System 32 error is the corrupted registry which can lead to computer freeze. The most common affected files are Config.nt, autorun.inf and svchost.exe etc.
It can also be caused due to malwares which causes your computer to respond in undesired ways. Most of the malware enters your computer through spam mails and adware's.

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System 32 error can be triggered when you update your system files via internet. Some of the sites which promise to provide full version of software contain corrupted files or even are the Trojans which causes lethal damage by uploading virus on your computer.
When you replace or add any hardware then it may be possible that it's not compatible to your existing computer setup which can create problem in the operating system. This can result in the System 32 error or you may hear different types of sounds during booting period of computer.
Any software update of your computer can also lead to unwanted changes in the registry which inhibits your computer to function properly.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

How to Prevent System 32 error

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Create a backup of your important data, so that if something wrong happens then you can restore all your important data from system backup. You have another option “system image”, by creating system image you can create backup of system settings, data, programs which are required to run your computer properly.
You can also use third party tools like Registry Cleaner offered by some of the well renowned companies like impcsupport. This tool can remove all registry error and also provide option to create backup of registry files.
Scan all your files on your computer, while downloading form the internet as they may contain suspicious element like virus, malware etc which can cause problem for your computer. Use a good antivirus program and update it regularly with latest virus definition. In my opinion you must use paid version as the free version antivirus has limited capability so it cannot provide full protection. The paid version offers maximum security and protects your computer from all harmful threats like virus, malware etc.
Before installing any software or updating any existing software it is always advised to check its compatibility with your computer.

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My PC doesn't turn on and it writes system32 error on the screen?

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If you have the original Disks or a recovery disk, you might be able to boot that way, or boot with F8 and use safe mode. You might need to reload Windows.

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I'm trying to install Windows 10 on my XP Pro desktop, and it says it's not a win32 application. What can I do?

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If you're doing this on real hardware, check to ensure your hardware meets the hardware requirements, since Windows 10 is 14 years newer than Windows XP. If you're using a newer XP computer that can run Windows 10, try booting from a Windows 10 installation USB or DVD and installing from there.

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What is a clean install?

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A clean install is an install with any other stuff added before removed (otherwise it wouldn't be "clean").

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Tips

System 32 error is mainly caused due to corrupted registry, Virus, malware. For eliminating this problem it is always advised to create system backup regularly or you can use computer maintenance tools for getting permanent resolution.

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