Generic Kernel32.dll Error Checklist

Richard G. Harper has posted [to newsgroups], several times, his "generic Kernel32.dll error
checklist":

(1) Bad memory modules. Try inserting the command
DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS into your Config.sys file with the System
Configuration Utility (Start/Run/MSCONFIG) and watch your computer for a
message "HIMEM has detected unreliable memory at address xxxxxxxxx" which
will certainly indicate that there's a memory problem. It may take several
reboots over a period of days for this to show up. You can also download
diagnostic software from http://www.ami.com/ or http://www.bcmcom.com/ to
test your system's memory.

(2) Bad video drivers. Check with your video card manufacturer for an
updated set of drivers.

(3) CPU, bus speed or multiplier overclocking. Don't. :-)

(4) Faulty or dirty cooling fans on your CPU or power supply. The CPU fan
can be cleaned with a small paintbrush and some compressed air. The power
supply fan should be cleaned only by someone who is comfortable working
around high voltage capacitor components. If you're not sure if this is you,
then trust me, it isn't you.

(5) Graphic acceleration set too high. Right-click My Computer, select
Properties, then the Performance tab, then the Graphics button. Turn down
graphics acceleration a notch, reboot, try again. Repeat as necessary.

(6) Animated mouse cursors, mouse trails, and Active Desktop can also rarely
cause these kinds of problems. Try disabling them all and re-adding one at a
time until you find the culprit.

Additionally, the following has solved many people's Windows Explorer
kernel32.dll crashes:

In the root directory of C:\, modify or create a CONFIG.SYS file to include
the following lines:
files=65
buffers=40
stacks=64,512

If the error persists, try adding this line to your System.ini file in the
[386Enh] section:
; Increases default stack pages from 2 to 6
MinSPs=6

(The default is 2. If required, increase increments by 2.)
(The  ;  works the same as * REM * works in AutoExec.Bat)

Click Edit, Save, Edit, exit. Shut down and restart for the changes to take
effect.