14 DAY TRIAL // Sure, the Microsoft Security Bulletin MS07-017 is designed to address a total of seven vulnerabilities in GDI that could allow remote code execution in the eventuality of a successful exploit, but it also has a downside. However, deploying MS07-017 is a must as it patches the .ANI file format critical vulnerability associated with animated cursors and icons in Windows. Still, some users found that installing the security update resulted in a trade-off. In this regard, Microsoft has published a Knowledge Base detailing the issue.
"When you start a computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2, the Realtek HD Audio Control Panel may not start. Additionally, you may receive the following error message: Rthdcpl.exe - Illegal System DLL Relocation The system DLL user32.dll was relocated in memory. The application will not run properly. The relocation occurred because the DLL C:WindowsSystem32Hhctrl.ocx occupied an address range reserved for Windows system DLLs. The vendor supplying the DLL should be contacted for a new DLL," Microsoft revealed.
The problem is related to the Realtek HD Audio Control Panel (Rthdcpl.exe) by Realtek Semiconductor Corporation, and only occurs after the deployment of security update MS07-017 and security update MS07-008. According to Microsoft, at the basis of the issue is the fact that the Hhctrl.ocx and the User32.dll files included in the two security updates present conflicting base addresses.
That is why Microsoft has made available for download Update for Windows XP (KB935448). "Install this update to resolve an issue where the Realtek HD Audio Control Panel may not start after you install security update KB925902 (MS07-017) and security update KB928843 (MS07-008). After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer," Microsoft advised.