Err Msg: Explorer Caused a Divide Error in Module Shell32.dll

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you try to open an icon in Windows 95 (particularly, the My Computer, Microsoft Exchange Inbox, Recycle Bin, or Control Panel icon), you may receive the following error message:

   Explorer:
   This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut
   down.

   EXPLORER caused a divide error in module SHELL32.DLL at
   0137:7fe1402f.

CAUSE

This error may be caused by a combination of the following conditions:

• The horizontal spacing for icons is set too high or set to 0.
• You are using a video resolution of 640 x 480.
• The taskbar is placed at the left or right edge of the screen, and has been expanded to larger than the default size.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, use any one of the following methods:

Method 1

Decrease the horizontal icon spacing. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Use the right mouse button to click an empty area on the desktop, and then click Properties on the menu that appears.

2. On the Appearance tab, click Icon Spacing (Horizontal) in the Item box, and then decrease the value in the Size box to a value greater than 0.

3. Click OK.

Method 2

Change the video resolution so that it is greater than 640 x 480. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Use the right mouse button to click an empty area on the desktop, and then click Properties on the menu that appears.

2. On the Settings tab, move the Desktop Area slider one notch to the right.

3. Click OK.

Method 3

Decrease the size of the taskbar.

Method 4

Move the taskbar from the left or right edge of the screen to the top or bottom of the screen.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Windows 95. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.