Fix Ikernel.exe Application Error

Ikernel.exe is the InstallShield installation engine that belongs to the InstallShield software developed by InstallShield Software Corporation. InstallSheild is vastly preferred by users because it simplifies the installation process and reduces the risk of installation errors. Ikernel.exe acts as the engine or driving force behind InstallShield. Since there are hundreds of applications that use InstallShield for installation, the chances of ikernel.exe errors are quite high. Let us now have a look at some of the common ikernel.exe errors and their solutions.

Error Message: “Ikernel.exe - Application Error. The instruction at "0x771c741a" referenced memory at "0x00163650" The memory could not be read. Click on ok to terminate the program.“

Cause of Error

This ikernel.exe error message may occur when one or more of the following conditions are true:

  • There is some problem with the memory chips installed on your computer-either they are inadequate or malfunctioning.
  • You are trying to install Java on a system running Windows XP SP1 or Windows XP with the Hotfix Q328310 applied.
  • Either ikernel.exe or a related component, by default located in the C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Engine folder, is corrupt or damaged. At times, the file or its component may be marked as read only and thus, result in an error.
  • Since newer versions of programs are frequently being released, there is also the possibility that the version the user is trying to install is an old one. This may make the ikernel engine incompatible with the download file and cause an error.

Error Message: “The InstallShield engine ikernel.exe could not be launched. Error loading type library/dll.“

Cause of Error

  • Any one of Stdole32.tlb, Stdole2.tlb or Stdole.tlb files are missing from the Windows\System32 folder.
  • The ikernel file could still be in memory if you have just finished installing an application. Patience resolves this error. Wait a while and then try again. The error message should not show up anymore.
  • You are logged on to Windows XP with a non-administrative user account. Administrative privileges are necessary to run the InstallShield setup program.

Error Message: “Ikernel cannot be copied to C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Engine\6\Intel 32”

This error may occur if you do not have the required privileges to perform the task.

Resolution Methods

Depending on the error and the cause, you may use one of the following methods to fix ikernel.exe application errors.

Resolving Java Related Issues

Method 1: Rename the InstallShield Engine folder.

  1. Right-click on the Start button and then select Explore to launch Windows Explorer You may also press the Windows key and E together to launch it.
  2. Navigate to the C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Engine folder.
  3. Right-click on the Engine folder. Select Rename and then change the name of the folder to EngineOld.

Method 2: Delete the InstallShield Engine folder.

  1. Right-click Start button and then select Explore to launch Windows Explorer. You may also press the Windows key and E together to launch it.
  2. Navigate to the C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Engine folder.
  3. Right-click on the Engine folder. Select Delete.
  4. Confirm deletion when prompted

Resolving Issue Related to Old, Damaged Or Corrupted Files

  1. In Windows Explorer, navigate to C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Engine.
  2. Delete the Engine folder.
  3. Download the latest ikernel.exe version and save it on your Desktop.
  4. Double-click the downloaded ikernelupdate.exe file to install it.

Resolving Issues with Windows XP Hotfix Q328310

The Windows XP Hotfix Q328310 issue occurs because the hotfix conflicts with the InstallShield engine because a Win32 API is not executed as desired.

Method 1: Download and Install Windows XP Hotfix Q328310

  1. Download the hotfix that fixes this issue.
  2. Install the hotfix to correct the problem.

Method 2: Uninstall the Windows XP Hotfix Q328310 Temporarily

You may try this method if the patch does not work for you. Generally, uninstalling any Windows Hotfix is not a desirable path to take. This may be a necessary action for the installation of Java on the machine. The Hotfix may be reinstalled after Java has installed correctly.

  1. Go to Start, point to Settings, and then select Control Panel.
  2. Double-click on Add Remove Programs.
  3. Select Windows XP Hotfix (SP2) Q328310 and then click Remove.
  4. Use the uninstall wizard to guide you through the process.
  5. Click Finish when done.
  6. Install Java and then reinstall the Windows XP Hotfix (SP2) Q328310.

Resolve Missing Stdole32.tlb, Stdole2.tlb and Stdole.tlb Issue

  1. Click Start and select Run.
  2. Enter cmd and then press Enter.
  3. In the Command Prompt window that opens, type cd\ and then press Enter.
  4. Insert the Windows CD into your drive.
  5. Enter Expand cd_drive_letter:\i386\filename.tl_ drive:\Windows\system32\filename.tlb.

Note that filename represents the name of the file that you would like to expand. Drive represents the drive letter where Windows is installed, usually C:\.

Resolving Ikernel cannot be copied to C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Engine\6\Intel 32 Issue

  1. Bring up your Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del or Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously.
  2. On the Processes tab, locate and select ikernel.exe if it is running.
  3. Click End Process.
  4. Download the latest ikernel update and install it on your computer.

iKernel.exe and other computer errors may also occur if there are problems with your registry. ?To fix these registry problems, you may use a registry scanner like RegServe. The scan will determine what registry-related issues need to be fixed, fix them and also remove possible sources of errors.