WordArt Error Message: CTL3D32.DLL Not the Correct Version

• Microsoft WordArt for Windows 95, version 3.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation, version 4.0
• Microsoft Publisher for Windows 95, version 3.0
• Microsoft Publisher 97
• Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows 95, version 7.0
• Microsoft Office for Windows 95, version 7.0

SYMPTOMS

If you try to insert a WordArt object on a computer running Windows NT version 4.0, you may receive the following error message:

   This application uses CTL3D32.DLL, which is not the correct
   version. This version of CTL3D32.DLL is designed only for Win32s
   or Windows 95 systems.

CAUSE

WordArt 3.0 does not need Ctl3d32.dll to run under Windows NT 4.0. It does need it, however, to run under Windows NT 3.51. Therefore, whenever WordArt starts on Windows NT, it checks to see if Ctl3d32.dll is present. If you have an early version of Ctl3d32.dll, you may receive this error.

RESOLUTION

Use Windows NT Explorer to search for all copies of Ctl3d32.dll. When you find them, rename each copy, except for the one with the latest file date. If this does not resolve the problem, rename that copy as well. WordArt Will now run correctly.

If, after doing this, other programs give you error messages about a bad or missing Ctl3d32.dll, try putting one of the renamed files in that program's folder and changing the name back to Ctl3d32.dll.

STATUS

Microsoft is researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.