How to fix
ExplorerFrame.dll was loaded but the entry-point DllRegisterServer was not found error
on Windows

Hello. My operating system is heavily malfunctioning, and I was hoping that you could help me. Every time I try to access any folder via the file explorer, I get the error "ExplorerFrame.dll was loaded but the entry-point DllRegisterServer was not found." I am not sure what is happening, but I am sure that something is very wrong. Please help.

ExplorerFrame.dll was loaded but the entry-point DllRegisterServer was not found is a relatively critical error that can impair one's ability to operate Windows operating system as intended. Users reported that the error started showing up abruptly, and they are unable to perform regular computer operations, such as opening applications or accessing files. In some cases, the error shows up after Windows boots up.

This error can show up on all Windows operating systems and  often comes with the RegSrv32[ref en-1] title, which reads:

RegSrv32

The module "ExplorerFrame.dll" was loaded but the entry-point DllRegisterServer was not found.

Make sure that "ExplorerFrame.dll" is a valid DLL or OCX file and then try again.

Evidently, the problem lies within ExplorerFrame.dll, which is a Dynamic Link Library file. DLL files are practically identical to executable (EXE) files and incorporate a set of commands which allow certain operations to proceed, e.g., launch libraries that are shared across multiple apps. OCX[ref en-2] is one of the extensions that DLLs can use.

However, since the same DLL can be used by several different programs, the problem related to them might be relatively broad. The "ExplorerFrame.dll was loaded but the entry-point DllRegisterServer was not found" error can be caused by a variety of reasons, for example, corrupted system files or third-party software.

Those who receive this error also might encounter the Class not registered error, as well as an error code 0xc000012f. All these symptoms might become extremely confusing and seriously impede users' ability to operate their machines, or even sometimes cause data loss.

If you are one of the individuals who is suffering from several Windows issues, we highly advise you to save your time and employ an automatic repair tool [d1]. It can find and replace corrupted files or missing DLLs as long as they are a part of a Windows operating system.

Otherwise, you will find all the necessary information to fix ExplorerFrame.dll was loaded but the entry-point DllRegisterServer was not found error below.

Fix 1. Repair system files with SFC

One of the main reasons for the issue to arise system file corruption. You can use the built-in Command Prompt to perform an SFC scan to correct system file integrity violations:

• Type cmd in Windows search
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
• If User Account Control shows up, click Yes
• In the new window, type in the following command and press Enter:

  sfc /scannow

• Wait for the scan to finish and restart your PC.

  

Fix 2. Reinstall the related application

If the error shows up only when opening a particular program, you can try reinstalling it:

• Right-click on Start and pick Apps and Features
• Scroll down to the app that is causing the error
• Pick Uninstall and confirm with Uninstall

  

• Re-download and reinstall the app from the official website.

Fix 3. Re-register ExplorerFrame.dll file

• Open Command Prompt as administrator as explained previously
• Copy and paste the following command:

  regsvr32 ExplorerFrame.dll

• Press Enter and reboot your PC.

  

Fix 4. Scan your computer for malware

Malware[ref en-3] can negatively impact the capabilities of a Windows computer, sometimes causing various system errors. Thus, you should perform Microsoft Defender offline scan in order to check whether your device is infected or not. Here's how:

• Click on the Show hidden items arrow at the bottom right corner of your taskbar and click on Microsoft Defender icon
• Here, click Virus & threat protection

  

• Pick Scan options
• Scroll down and select Microsoft Defender Offline scan
• Finally, click Scan now

  

• Your computer will immediately restarted and a full scan performed.

Fix 5. Reset Windows

If none of the above methods helped you fix "ExplorerFrame.dll was loaded but the entry-point DllRegisterServer was not found" error, you should reset Windows. You will not lose your personal files, but you might have to reinstall some programs and reestablish some settings:

• Right-click on Start and then select Settings
• Pick Update & Security and go to Recovery section
• Find Reset this PC section and select Get Started

  

• Here, pick Keep my files and then select Cloud download
• Wait for the process to be finished.