An instance of the Explorer.exe process starts unexpectedly when you call the InstallHinfSection function in the SetupAPI.dll file on a Windows XP-based or on a Windows Server 2003-based computer

You configure the Microsoft Windows XP-based or Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer to use a different shell program other than the Explorer.exe program by setting the shell registry entry. However, when you call the InstallHinfSection function in the SetupAPI.dll file to perform an installation, an instance of the Explorer.exe process starts unexpectedly.

Windows XP

Service pack information

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows XP. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Windows Server 2003

Service pack information

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows Server 2003. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You do not have to restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003, Itanium-based versions

Note Because of file dependencies, the most recent hotfix that contains these files may contain additional files.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

The computer uses the Explorer.exe file as a default shell program. You can change the computer shell program by enabling the shell registry entry value. This value is located in the following registry subkey:You can call the InstallHinfSection function in the SetupAPI.dll file by typing the following command at the command prompt:Note C:\Sample.inf is the path and the file name of the information file that you use to run the installation.

For more information about how you call the InstallHinfSection function in the SetupAPI.dll file, visit the following Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Web site: