How to Get Rid of a Generic Host Process for Win32 Services

Error messages can slow your computer.

Generic Host Process for Win32 Services is an error message that affects the Windows XP operating system only. The error message headline reads: "Generic Host Process for Win32 Services," and the messages states that "Generic Host Process for Win32 Services has encountered a problem and needs to close." Though there are several causes for this error, there are two common fixes. Note that the steps described apply to the Windows XP operating system.

Instructions

1. Download the "Security Update 902400" from the Microsoft Update homepage (see Resource). Microsoft released this update for the specific purpose of fixing the Generic Host Process for Win32 error. If the security update does not fix the problem, continue to the next step.

2. Click "Start" and "Run," type "cmd" into the box and click "OK." The Command Prompt opens.

3. Type "netsh winsock reset" (without the quotation marks) into the Command Prompt and press "Enter."

4. Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer. If the error message still appears, continue to the next step.

5. Click "Start," "Run," type "regedit" into the box, and click "OK." The Registry Editor opens.

6. Navigate to the following registry entry in the left pane of the Registry Editor. If you are having trouble locating the registry entry, click "Edit," "Find," type the registry entry into the box, and click "Find Next."

   HK_Local_Machine\System\Current Control Set\Services\Browser\Parameters

7. Right click "IsDomainMaster" in the right pane of the Registry Editor and select "Modify." Type "False" into the "Value" box. If "IsDomainMaster" does not exist, right click the right pane of the Registry Editor and select "New" and "Key." Type "IsDomainMaster" into the "Name" box. Then right click "IsDomanMaster," select "Modify" and type "False" into the "Value" box.

8. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Using the Registry Editor is not recommended for inexperienced users. Modifying the registry incorrectly can cause significant system-wide failures.

References

• Microsoft: Generic Host Process Error Message
• The Back Room Tech: Fix Generic Host Process for Win32 Services

Resources

• Microsoft: Update