What is hcwutl32.dll?
Hcwutl32.dll is a part of the Hauppauge Computer Works software. This file is not only a part of the driver software used to run  WinTV Tuner cards but is also a part of the complete range of WinTV capture cards made by Hauppauge Computer Works.
Why am I getting the hcwutl32.dll error?
‘Hauppauge Computer Works’ manufactures electronic hardware like capture cards for personal computers. A driver is a software that creates a communication interface between the installed hardware and the operating system. The WinTV driver creates an environment for the TV tuner cards so that all the functionalities of the card can be used to its full potential.
The problem starts when a key file of the WinTV driver hcwutl32.dll goes missing. The common error you get is –
Error: 'Hcwutl32.dll' is missing when attempting to run WinTV
This error can appear as a result of the following reasons:
Media provided for driver installation is faulty.
During driver installation there are a specific set of files that are triggered and if even one of the files is corrupt, all the other core files of the drivers do not get installed. The reason for this corruption can be a faulty Media CD provided by Hauppauge for driver installation.
Sometimes, driver CDs can be faulty due to scratches or cracks, which is why the data on the CD cannot be read by the cd-rom drive. In this case, the best solution is to call up Hauppauge Computer Works and ask for a replacement of the driver software.
The driver is not properly installed.
The Hcwutl32.dll file can go missing in the system if the software is not installed correctly. The driver is designed to sit specifically in the Windows system folder, enabling the driver files to be recognized by the operating system and communicate correctly with the WinTV Tuner card. The problem starts when the hcwutl32.dll file is not installed in the specified folder. The best method to solve this problem is by reinstalling the driver of the WinTV tuner card.
The steps to be followed are –
- Click on Start and then go to Control panel.
- Click on Add or Remove Programs.
- Uninstall the software for WinTV tuner.
- Restart the system.
- Put the driver CD in the drive.
- Reinstall the WinTV Tuner card drivers.
Note: You can also use Perfect Uninstaller to uninstall the driver software and completely remove it from the system. After removal is complete, you may use a good registry cleaner tool to scan the registry and get rid of any left behind entries of the uninstalled software.
Hardware not installed properly
WinTV tuner card hardware should be installed correctly on the system. The TV Tuner card is installed on the PCI or the PCI express slot. If the card is not installed properly, the driver will fail to install the hcwutl32.dll file. This is when the error is generated.
To solve this, you need to perform the following steps:
- Shut Down your system.
- Unplug the power cord.
- Open the system.
- Reseat the card again in the slot.
- Close the system.
- Check for the connections and connect the power cord.
- Restart the system.
Once this is done reinstall the software using the CD provided. This should solve the problem.