The Window Error

Q: Hi Quincey,We've been getting the following error message: RUNDLL Error loading 2ndsrch.dll A device attached to the system is not functioning. I think DLL means 'delivery library' BUT where do I go look to see what system is not functioning? It disappears after I click it off, but reappears each time I turn the computer on. Any suggestions?
L. Sayers
A: Messages on our computer are like pain. No one necessarily likes them, but that serve a vital function. They both inform us that something is wrong. Hopefully we will heed them in enough time to prevent a minor pain from developing into a major problem.
The pain that your computer is warning you about appears to be the remnants of adware, spyware, or some type of Trojan program. I base this on the fact that the resource that has a problem loading is “2ndsrch.dll”. This file is normally associated with spyware and the such. It can be introduced to your computer by various methods, but one of the most common is by installing the custom toolbars like google or yahoo onto your computer. When someone tries to uninstall programs like these, it is common for some users to receive a message similar to the ones that you are seeing now.
The good news is that “2ndsrch.dll” is not a system dll so you should be able to fix the problem without worries of damaging your system. DLL is an acronym for dynamic link libraries. DLL’s provide applications with the necessary resources that they need to work properly. Think of them as the backup singers and band for a singer. A singer can sing without them, some singers, but they enhance the performance. Since these particular resources are for this specific application removing them from your computer will not have the same effect as removing one of the DLL’s that the system needs to operate.
As I stated earlier, odds are you are experiencing the remnants of some type of adware, spyware, or Trojan program. This is good in a way because it doesn’t limit your options to fix the problem. There are free options and other options will run you a nominal cost. If you have a Windows ME or XP, then can use the system restore program that I have written about in previous articles. This method is good if you can remember a date before you began experiencing the problem, and also if you do not mind reinstalling any programs that you have installed since then. The next free option is to go to lavasoftusa.com, download.com, or snapfiles.com and download a free trial version of adaware. You can also look on the last two sites for spybot search and destroy. Both of these programs will scan your computer for adwares, spywares, and Trojans. The option that will cost you a little money is to go to secureclean.com and purchase secureclean for about $25-$40. Secureclean will erase and write over selected files or drives.