get error message missing shlwapi.dll file. IE file missing or damaged computer goes to blank screen

Extract shlwapi.dll from Win98 SE setup CD CABs [presuming you are using Win98 SE OS]:

EXTRACT/Y /L X:\WIN9X\WIN98_41.CAB C:\EXTRACT SHLWAPI.DLL

Replace X with your actual CD/DVD drive letter [1st one if u have more than 1].

Then boot to native MS-DOS:

1. by holding down Shift + F5 at the same time during BIOS boot POST (Power On Self Test) sequence.

2. OR by scrolling down using the down arrow to the "Command prompt only" option and then pressing Enter from the Windows 98 Startup Menu:

http://www.mdgx.com/msdos.htm#MEN

3. OR from a Windows 98 SE Emergency/Bootup/Startup floppy/CD/DVD/USB/external disc/stick.

Then copy shlwapi.dll to %winbootdir%\system:

IF EXIST %winbootdir%\SYSTEM\SHLWAPI.DLL ATTRIB -H -R -S %winbootdir%\SYSTEM\SHLWAPI.DLL

COPY/Y C:\EXTRACT\SHLWAPI.DLL %winbootdir%\SYSTEM

Finally, type WIN and hit Enter to load Windows GUI or reboot.

FYI:

Newest build of SHLWAPI.DLL installs as part of MS IE 5/6 cumulative security fix:

http://www.mdgx.com/ietoy.htm#IEC

Hope this helps.