How to Fix htmltools.exe Hanging After ‘[OK] Register htmlsdk.dll File (Memory)’ Message on Windows Server

Posted on Author VeryPDF / 102 Views

Many users rely on htmltools.exe to convert HTML files to PDF and other formats. However, some users have reported that the application hangs after displaying the message: 

[OK] Register 'htmlsdk.dll' file (memory).

This issue seems to occur primarily on Windows Server 2003, while the same command runs successfully on Windows XP or other environments. This article will explore the possible causes and solutions for this problem, ensuring a smooth operation of htmltools.exe in various setups.

How to Fix htmltools.exe Hanging After '[OK] Register htmlsdk.dll File (Memory)' Message on Windows Server

Understanding the Problem

Customer Query:

"We're using a program that calls the htmltools.exe with some parameters. I can see in the task manager that htmltools.exe is running, but we don't get any response. We are using the program within a Citrix session on a Windows 2003 server. When I run this on my own PC (Windows XP), it works fine. The problem only occurs on a Windows 2003 server, even with an admin account."

Observed Behavior:

  • htmltools.exe starts successfully and initializes htmlsdk.dll.

  • The conversion process begins but hangs after registering htmlsdk.dll.

  • The issue does not occur on Windows XP.

  • The issue occurs within a Citrix session on Windows Server 2003.

  • The process remains active but never completes.

Possible Causes

  1. Compatibility Issues with Windows Server 2003

    • Windows Server 2003 has different memory management and DLL handling than Windows XP.

    • Some DLLs required by htmltools.exe may not be correctly registered.

  2. Citrix Environment Restrictions

    • Running applications in a Citrix session can restrict system calls or file accesses.

    • Some processes may not have full access to required resources.

  3. Permission and Execution Policies

    • Administrator privileges might not be sufficient due to Citrix or Group Policies.

    • DEP (Data Execution Prevention) may be blocking execution.

    • Missing dependencies (e.g., certain system DLLs) might be causing the process to hang.

  4. Outdated Version of htmltools.exe

    • Older versions of htmltools.exe may have bugs or compatibility issues.

    • The latest version of the tool may contain bug fixes addressing this specific issue.

Solutions

1. Upgrade to the Latest Version

This problem has been resolved in the latest version of htmltools.exe. Download the updated version from our official website:

Download Latest Version of htmltools.exe

Once downloaded, replace your existing htmltools.exe and test the conversion process again.

2. Check Compatibility Mode & Run as Administrator

Try running htmltools.exe in Windows XP compatibility mode:

  1. Right-click htmltools.exe → Properties.

  2. Navigate to the Compatibility tab.

  3. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: Windows XP (Service Pack 3).

  4. Check Run as administrator.

  5. Click Apply and OK.

Run the command again and see if it works correctly.

3. Adjust Citrix Environment & Permissions

If you are using htmltools.exe within a Citrix session:

  • Ensure that the process has sufficient system permissions.

  • Check Citrix Execution Policies to ensure DLL registration is not blocked.

  • Run htmltools.exe outside of Citrix as a test.

  • Add htmltools.exe to the Citrix trusted applications list.

4. Disable DEP for htmltools.exe

Windows Server 2003 includes Data Execution Prevention (DEP), which might be preventing htmlsdk.dll from executing correctly.

To disable DEP for htmltools.exe:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

  2. Run the following command: 

    bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOff

  3. Restart the server and try running htmltools.exe again.

If DEP was causing the issue, the tool should now complete successfully.

5. Manually Register htmlsdk.dll

If htmlsdk.dll is failing to register, you can try registering it manually:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

  2. Navigate to the directory containing htmlsdk.dll.

  3. Run: 

    regsvr32 htmlsdk.dll

  4. Restart the system and test again.

6. Check for Missing Dependencies

Ensure all required system components are installed:

  • Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

  • .NET Framework 3.5 or later

  • Windows Script Host enabled

You can check missing DLLs by using Dependency Walker (depends.exe) to analyze htmltools.exe.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing htmltools.exe hanging after registering htmlsdk.dll on Windows Server 2003, the best solution is to upgrade to the latest version. If the issue persists, try running the tool in compatibility mode, adjusting Citrix policies, disabling DEP, or manually registering the DLL. These steps should resolve most cases of this issue.

For further assistance, contact VeryPDF support, http://support.verypdf.com/

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