Kernel32.dll is considered a type of Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file. Dynamic Link Library files, like kernel32.dll, are essentially a "guide book" that stores information and instructions for executable (EXE) files - like HelpPane.exe - to follow. These files were created so that multiple programs (eg. Microsoft Office Access 2010) could share the same kernel32.dll file, saving valuable memory allocation, therefore making your computer run more efficiently.