I think this started when I plugged a flash into the USB port on my ancient machine to see what would happen.

Anyway, when I try to turn the computer on I get the following message:
"Cannot start Windows because vmm32.vxd was not found or is damaged.

You need to run the setup program again to install vmm32.vxd.

Press any key to continue."

The only reason I care is there are some files on the computer that I would truly love to save. While I would like to be able to get the machine to work again, the files are my main concern. How can I get the vmm32.vxd fixed? I need detailed instructions. I can get to the DOS prompt with no trouble, but from there am lost. I have all of the original reboot, etc. disks from the computer.

Thank you for your help!

Too late now but vmm32.vxd is one of those files that you should always save to a floppy. It is produced by the system during install so cannot be downloaded etc and varies from machine to machine.

Almost always you end up re-installing Windows. This can be done without losing your own stuff (ie without reformatting). You will need either a W95 CD or all the disks.

DerekW

An over-the-top reinstallation may be easier but here's some info on rebuilding it:

http://www.easydesksoftware.com/news/news10.htm

A couple people here fixed the problem by changing the boot order:

http://www.computing.net/windows95/wwwboard/forum/168617.html

which doesn't make sense, but whatever works. . .