Microsoft places the files msgsrv32.exe and msgsrv32.dll into the C:WINDOWSSYSTEM directory during Windows installation. The description of these files is "Windows 32-bit VxD Message Server" which is responsible for the following Windows tasks:

• Plug and Play messages in the operating system.
• Responses to and from setup programs.
• Display the initial logon dialog box if a network is present or if profiles are enabled.
• Play the system startup and shutdown sounds.
• Loads the Windows drivers at startup and then unload them at shutdown.
• Run the Explorer shell program.

Possible causes for MSGSRV32 errors

Errors or issues relating to msgsrv32 are generally a result of the following:

·         Resource conflict or issue 

·         TSR's (Terminate Stay Resident) or other programs running in memory

·         Sound Card Issues

·         Onboard sound or display adapter issues

·         MIDI device or codec issues

·         Power Management or screensaver issue

·         Microsoft Find Fast issue

·         Memory manager program (if used)

·         Explorer Shell

·         Computer virus or Trojan

·         Hardware that is failing or has failed

Possible Solution to MSGSRV32 errors:

If you are unable to load Windows due to an MSGSRV32 error, you should attempt to boot into safe mode. If you cannot boot into safe mode, you may need to reinstall windows or perform a system restore.

Resource conflict

There may be a device installed improperly in your computer or a device driver installation has become corrupted. Check the Device Manager to ensure that all devices are functioning properly.

TSR's or other program running in memory

A TSR or other programs my cause a conflict with the particular task you are attempting to perform. Close all open programs via the task menu ( Alt <>CTRL<>Del ) and then attempt to perform the task that originally generated the error. If the error is no longer displayed, you may think about uninstalling or reinstalling one or more of the programs that were running in memory and were causing the error.

Sound driver or sound card

Check that you are using the correct audio devices:

·         Click Start > Settings > Control Panel double click the multimedia icon (Sound and Audio Device in 2000/XP).

·         Make sure that the playback device is set to the audio device in the computer and has not changed.

Also make sure that you are using the latest drivers for your audio device or that a recent upgrade for those drivers is not causing the error

Onboard Video / Sound Adapter

Make sure that your onboard sound/video device is enabled in the system BIOS, these are usually listed under Integrated Peripherals.

Power Management / screensaver

If a MSGSRV32 error is generated after recovering from suspend or stand by or when the computer has been idle long enough to enable the screen saver it is possible Power Management is to blame. Check:

·         SETI or other distributed computing client may generate this type of error, disable the program / screensaver to see if the error continues.

·         Power Management may have become corrupted, disable Power Management by clicking Start > Settings > Control Panel > Power

·         In the Power menu disable or set the power settings to Off or Never.  Click OK to apply the changes and restart the computer. 

Microsoft Find Fast

Microsoft Find Fast has been known to cause problems of this nature. If "Find Fast" or "Microsoft Find Fast" is configured to automatically run at system start, disable this feature by:

·         Click Start > Settings > Taskbar & Start Menu

·         Click Start Menu Programs tab

·         Click the Advanced button

·         Click the + next to Programs and then the + next to startup

·         Highlight the Find Fast icon and press the delete key on the keyboard.

·         Restart the computer

Explorer shell

If you are using a third party shell, such as Windows Blinds, temporarily disable or remove that third-party shell and use the standard Windows Explorer shell (explorer.exe).

Computer virus or Trojan

A virus or Trojan horse program may be installed in your computer and causing the corruption of the MSGSRV files. Run a virus scan with the latest definitions provided by your ant-virus product’s supplier. If virus removal is not successful, completely reinstall Windows, making sure to format the hard drive first to thwart re-infection.

Software Corruption

Software that you have recently installed may have corrupted the core operating system files. If you have not installed programs recently, try running the System File Checker:

• Click on Start > Run
• Type SFC /scannow into the box provided and follow the instructions. You might have to insert the Windows CD so have it ready.

Bad hardware

If you choose to reinstall the operating system and the MSGSRV32 error is still being generated, it is possible that the problem may be caused by a faulty hardware device. Remove the sound card, or disable the onboard sound in the BIOS and see if the error is still being generated.

Specific MSGSRV32.DLL errors:

MSGSRV32.DLL caused a general protection fault in CM8330SB.DRV
MSGSRV32.EXE caused a general protection fault in CM8330SB.DRV
EXPLORER caused a general protection fault in CM8330SB.DRV
Iexplore caused a general protection fault in CM8330SB.DRV

This issue is related to the C-Media 8330 sound card chipsets included in various computer sound cards and some modems. Verify with the sound card manufacturer, modem manufacture or if you have onboard sound motherboard manufacturer to see if updated drivers or patches are available for your device. 

MSGSRV32 caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.dll during Microsoft Network (MSN) login or when attempting to open Internet Explorer or Microsoft Outlook

The MSN password file may be corrupt.

• Click Start > Find > Files or Folders
• Search for files named: *.pwl
• Delete the files found.
• Once the files have been deleted restart the computer and the pwl files should be recreated and you should then be able to log into MSN.

MSGSRV32 caused a general protection fault in KRNL386.EXE during windows install

This issue may be caused by a problem with the dblbuff.sys file. Microsoft has released a support fix for this problem; to obtain the file you must contact Microsoft. See Microsoft Q209321 for additional information.

When browsing or installing device drivers one of the following error messages occur:
Msgsrv32 caused a General Protection Fault in module Kernel32
Msgsrv32 caused an invalid page fault in Msgrv32.dll
MSGSRV32 caused an invalid page fault in module Kernel32.dll
Msgsrv32 caused a General Protection Fault in Msgsrv32.exe

This issue may be caused by a problem with the msgrv32.exe file. Microsoft has released a support fix for this problem; to obtain the file you must contact Microsoft. See Microsoft Q245583 for additional information.