If p2esocks_1022.dll is missing, first identify which program or startup item is requesting it. The p2esocks_1022.dll error is historically associated with an old Instant Access spyware or dialer component, so do not treat it like an ordinary Windows runtime file.
Before changing anything, note:
- Does the error appear during startup, or only when opening a particular program?
- Does the message mention
rundll32.exe,InstantAccess, orp2esocks? - Is Windows 10 or Windows 11 installed?
- Is the affected application 32-bit or 64-bit?
- Did antivirus recently quarantine or remove a suspicious item?
The safest repair is usually to scan the computer, remove the obsolete startup command, and avoid restoring or downloading the DLL.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What p2esocks_1022.dll is
There is no verified evidence that p2esocks_1022.dll is part of Windows, Microsoft Visual C++, DirectX, .NET, or a current Microsoft driver.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Historical startup entries used commands similar to:
#1 Best Overall
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
rundll32.exe p2esocks_1022.dll,InstantAccess
Contemporary malware-removal discussions strongly linked p2esocks variants with Instant Access and an AUTH or EGAUTH Module. That makes a malware remnant more likely than a missing legitimate Windows dependency.
Some third-party databases report an “AUTH Module” description and other sample metadata, but that label does not prove that the file is safe, current, or published by a verifiable developer. Samples with similar names are not necessarily identical.
Fix 1: Scan Windows before repairing startup
Do this first. Removing a startup entry without checking for active malware can leave the underlying infection in place.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRun a full Microsoft Defender scan
- Open Start and search for Windows Security.
- Open Windows Security.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Under Current threats, select Scan options.
- Choose Full scan.
- Select Scan now.
- Allow Defender to quarantine or remove detected threats.
- Restart Windows after the scan completes.
Then check whether the startup message returns.
Run Microsoft Defender Offline
If Defender finds a threat, the error returns, or you suspect persistent malware:
- Open Windows Security.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Select Scan options.
- Choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
- Select Scan now.
- Save your work when Windows warns that the computer will restart.
The offline scan runs from the Windows Recovery Environment, before the normal desktop loads. Microsoft explains this process in its Defender Offline guidance.
After Windows starts again, open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Protection history. Look for detections involving p2esocks, Instant Access, or a related startup item.
Do not choose Restore or Allow on device merely because Windows reports that the DLL is missing. Restoring a quarantined file puts it back on the computer. Only restore a file after independently confirming its publisher, digital signature, and legitimacy.
Fix 2: Remove the orphaned startup command
If antivirus removed the DLL, Windows may still be trying to load it. This produces messages such as:
- “Error loading p2esocks_1022.dll”
- “The specified module could not be found”
- “The module p2esocks_1022.dll was not found”
- “The program can’t start because p2esocks_1022.dll is missing”
The message can mean that the DLL itself is gone. It can also mean that a dependency is missing. In this historical startup context, an orphaned command is more likely than a normal dependency problem.
Rank #2
- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
Check Startup apps
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Select Startup apps.
- Look for entries mentioning
p2esocks,Instant Access,AUTH,EGAUTH, or an unknown publisher. - Right-click a clearly suspicious or orphaned entry.
- Select Disable.
- Restart Windows.
You can also check Settings → Apps → Startup and disable the same entry there if it appears.
Check Task Scheduler
- Open Start and search for Task Scheduler.
- Open Task Scheduler.
- Select Task Scheduler Library.
- Review tasks in the middle pane.
- Select a suspicious task and inspect the Actions tab.
- Look for an action that launches
rundll32.exe,p2esocks_1022.dll,InstantAccess, or an unknown file. - Record the task name and location.
- If it is clearly malicious or orphaned, right-click it and select Delete.
Do not delete a task solely because its name is unfamiliar. Confirm its action first.
Use Microsoft Autoruns for a complete check
Autoruns displays startup locations that Task Manager may not show.
- Download Autoruns from Microsoft Sysinternals.
- Extract the downloaded archive.
- Right-click
Autoruns64.exeorAutoruns.exe. - Select Run as administrator.
- Allow the list to finish loading.
- Press Ctrl + F.
- Search for
p2esocks. - Repeat the search for
InstantAccessandrundll32. - Clear the check box for a clearly malicious or orphaned entry.
- Restart Windows and check whether the message has disappeared.
Disable the entry first rather than deleting it immediately. Once Windows works normally and the scan is clean, you can remove the recorded entry if necessary.
Fix 3: Remove the related obsolete application
If Apps → Installed apps contains an old program associated with the error, uninstall it rather than reinstalling the missing DLL.
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Select Installed apps.
- Search for the program that appeared when the problem began.
- Select the three-dot menu beside it.
- Choose Uninstall.
- Follow the uninstall wizard.
- Restart Windows.
- Run another Defender scan.
If the program is still needed and came from a trustworthy publisher, download its current installer from that publisher’s official website. Do not obtain the DLL separately. Reinstalling the complete application is the only appropriate way to replace a legitimate application file because the installer can provide the correct files, architecture, registry settings, and dependencies together.
Recommended Free Tools
Fix 4: Check whether the affected program is 32-bit or 64-bit
Historical third-party metadata reports a 32-bit sample, but that does not establish that every file with this name has the same architecture. Do not download a 64-bit replacement or assume that a file belongs in System32.
If a legitimate application still reports the error:
- Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
- Find the application.
- Check its publisher and installation location.
- Repair or reinstall the application using its official installer.
- Use the installer intended for the application’s architecture.
On 64-bit Windows, System32 contains 64-bit system files, while SysWOW64 contains many 32-bit Windows components. Neither folder is a general-purpose location for downloaded DLLs. Copying an unknown file into either folder can create security and DLL search-order problems.
Rank #3
- Lightweight and convenient: Lexar JumpDrive A30E (USB Type-A) boasts a slim, portable design for easy device compatibility; lightweight at 7.41 g
- Transfer speeds up to 100 MB/s: 10x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives; Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions
- Wide compatibility: Compatible with tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required; Reliably stores photos, videos & files
- Compact: Features a push-button retractor and a lanyard loop for on-the-go use
- Enhanced security: Lexar DataShield protects files, easily creates a password-protected safe with auto-encryption; Files deleted from the safe are securely erased and can't be recovered
Fix 5: Repair Windows components only if Windows itself is damaged
Do not use SFC or DISM to restore p2esocks_1022.dll. These tools repair protected Windows components and normally will not restore a third-party malware-related DLL.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Use them when Windows has broader problems, such as damaged system dialogs, failed updates, crashes, or multiple missing Windows files.
- Open Start.
- Search for Command Prompt.
- Right-click it.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Run this command:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- Wait for it to finish.
- Then run:
sfc /scannow
- Restart Windows.
Microsoft provides the command sequence in its System File Checker guidance.
If manually hunting through repair commands is becoming repetitive, Outbyte PC Repair can scan for system issues and show what it identifies; repairs are handled by the full version. It is optional, and reinstalling the program that originally installed this file remains the definitive fix for a legitimate application dependency.
Fix 6: Update drivers only when there are separate driver symptoms
A driver update is not a normal fix for a p2esocks_1022.dll startup entry. Consider it only if Device Manager shows a warning icon or the computer has separate hardware problems.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Right-click Start.
- Select Device Manager.
- Expand the category for the affected device.
- Right-click the device.
- Select Properties.
- Open the General tab and check Device status.
- If Windows reports a driver problem, open the Driver tab.
- Select Update Driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- Restart Windows if prompted.
Prefer drivers supplied through Windows Update or the device manufacturer. Outbyte Driver Updater can show which drivers it finds outdated and install updates through the full version, but it is not required for this DLL issue.
Do not use regsvr32 for this file
regsvr32 is not a general DLL repair command. It is intended for DLLs that provide registration entry points such as DllRegisterServer.
There is no verified evidence that p2esocks_1022.dll should be registered. Running a command such as this is therefore not a safe repair:
regsvr32 p2esocks_1022.dll
It will not recreate a deleted file, remove malware, or repair an orphaned startup command.
Fix 7: Use System Restore for a recent change
If the problem began after an installation or malware incident and a suitable restore point exists:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
rstrui.exe
- Press Enter.
- Select Next.
- Choose a restore point from before the problem began.
- Select Next → Finish.
- Allow Windows to restart.
System Restore rolls back system files, registry settings, and installed programs. It does not normally remove personal files. Microsoft documents the process in its System Restore guidance.
Rank #4
- 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
- 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
- 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
- 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
Run a Defender scan after restoring. System Restore should not replace malware removal.
If the error keeps returning
A recurring startup entry can indicate that malware is still active or that another persistence mechanism recreates it.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- Run Microsoft Defender Offline again.
- Review Protection history.
- Search Autoruns for
p2esocks,InstantAccess, andrundll32. - Review Task Scheduler actions.
- Check installed applications for unknown software.
- Change important passwords from a separate, clean device.
- Back up personal files without copying suspicious executables.
- Use Windows recovery options if the infection continues.
If Windows remains compromised or changes keep returning, Microsoft’s Windows recovery guidance explains reset and reinstall choices. A clean reinstall may be appropriate when malware has caused persistent or irreversible changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is p2esocks_1022.dll a Windows file?
No verified evidence identifies it as a Windows system file, Microsoft runtime, DirectX component, or current driver.
Should I download p2esocks_1022.dll?
No. Random DLL download sites can provide malware, the wrong architecture, or an incompatible version. They also leave the suspicious startup command in place. Use a complete installer from the original application publisher if a legitimate program truly needs the file.
Was the DLL quarantined by antivirus?
Possibly. Check Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Protection history. Quarantine proves only that security software took an action; it does not by itself establish the file’s exact identity or whether every sample with this name is malicious.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Why does the message appear only when Windows starts?
A Run entry, scheduled task, or other startup item may still call the deleted DLL through rundll32.exe. Removing the orphaned command usually stops the warning.
Should I copy it into System32 or SysWOW64?
No. Copying an unknown DLL into Windows folders can introduce malware or create conflicts. Repair the originating application or remove the obsolete startup entry instead.
Will SFC or DISM restore the file?
Normally no. They repair protected Windows files, not this third-party historical component.
What if Windows will not boot?
Use Windows Recovery Environment, System Restore, Defender Offline, or official recovery media. Do not try to fix the problem by copying this DLL manually.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
