What Is the Crypt32 Error?

Crypt32
The crypt32.dll file is a dynamic link library module used by Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP for the cryptographic and certification roles in Microsoft’s Crypto Application Program Interface. Accessing specific programs can cause this error to appear in the Windows Event log. The event can occur at two points – continuously at regular intervals, such as every few minutes, or upon start-up of a particular software application.
Causes of the Error
Some problem may exist within the computer itself in the way it is configured to access the Internet if it displays this error in the log. The error occurs when the computer cannot access the Windows Update website because a network router was not configured properly, the proxy settings in the computer are incorrect or an installed third-party application was designed to interact with the Windows Security Center for a newer version of Windows. The types of applications that can cause this error include third-party malware protection, virus or firewall software.
Fixing the Error
Windows offers four solutions for correcting the error. The first is to disregard the error, as it doesn’t pose a problem for the computer, nor does it affect the software’s ability to function correctly. A second option is to disable the Automatic Root Updates on the offending computer. The third option is to change the proxy or router settings to allow the computer to connect to Windows Update. The fourth option is to update the Windows operating software to Vista or higher. Computers with Windows Vista or higher operating systems don’t record these events because Microsoft embeds the Microsoft Code Verification Root Certificate Authority in the Windows kernel.
Digital Certificates
When Windows is unable to validate the authenticity of a program’s digital certificate, it produces this error. All legal software contains a digital certificate that identifies the entity behind the software. When you purchase software, it contains this digital certificate authorizing use of the software. When Windows cannot connect to Windows Update, it cannot authenticate the entity or the certificate – and thus the error.