Hello.. I am trying to fix my aunts computer and when i turn it on it gives me this message:

A device file that is specified in the system.ini file is damaged.
It may be needed to run windows.

You may need to run the windows setup program again. If the file is included in another software package, you may need to reinstall the software that uses the file.
C:\windows\system\VMM32\VWIN32.VXD
Press Any key to continue
**********************************
So i pressed a key to continue and a bunch of other errors come up. I want to reinstall the OS and i have both the System CD's but i dont know what to do.

PLease help! Thanks!

** Is there anyway i can reinstall or fix this problem using Command Prompt when the computer starts?

Most likely it is a redundant registry entry. It's a long shot but try typing scanreg /fix at the C prompt (then hit Return key). This will rebuild your registry and it "might" take out the redundant bit.

Otherwise let us know exactly what the two CD's are (what it says on them). I'm guessing they are something that came with the machine because Windows only requires one CD.

DerekW

... well, it says it's in System.ini rather than the registry (although that may not be correct). It might be best first to look in system.ini to see if it is mentioned there.

To do this, form a C prompt type:

cd windows

edit system.ini

(hit Return key after each command above).

You will get a blue screen and possibly no mouse. In which case navigate with the keyboard (up down arrows etc). Use the underlined letter in the menu's at the top - I think they work with the Alt key.

Unless you are sure you've found something make sure you exit without saving any changes.

DerekW

Ooop "from" a C prompt not "form"

DerekW

Ok. I got into the blue screen and the OS CD is in the drive. One CD is Called System CD Version 2.7 and the other one is WIndows 95. Ok.. Now what do i do in the blue screen.. Is there anything i need to change in there?

Win95 - - it's 'scanreg-lite'

Hmmm - "a bunch of other errors come up"?

That can't be good - what are they?

Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie!'... till you can find a rock

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Sorry, I seem to be typing stuff then somehow not posting it tonight.

Re #4. If you are still in there (which I doubt by now) then use Search/Find and then put vwin32.vxd in the "Find what" box.

If it's there it will land on it, so let us know the complete line that contains it.

Whatever, back out without altering anything yet.

A agree, we need to know what the stack of errors were...

DerekW

Hi cyclones, Derek, jboy, hi everyone

A bit of a wild guess... if the computer is equipped with a USB card and you are able to get into Windows, go to the Device Manager and delete the USB devices.

Power off the computer and unplug the power cord, open the case, remove the USB card, close the case back up, plug in the power cord and boot the computer.

When the computer is fully booted, without error messages other wise you will need to boot in to Safe Mode (hit the [F5]key a couple of times on boot for Win95(?), it's so long ago) and check that the Device Manager once again for any USB devices and when present delete them, shutdown the computer again.

Unplug the power cord, open the case, reinsert the USB card, close the case, plug in the power cord and power on the computer.

Once Windows is booted, and is nagging for the drivers for the New hardware found follow the instructions that came with the drivers for the USB card. Two options in my opinion:
1) Point out to Windows, thus browse to, where the USB card drivers can be found and follow the on screen instructions.
2) Hit cancel, and run the Setup program, follow the on screen instructions.

My thoughts, a bit of a long shot, are based on the M$ article:
Err Msg: Windows Could Not Combine VxDs into a Monolithic File Before Starting
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/186771/en-us)

Best Regards and Wishes,
The Count, Co-webmaster of mesich.com

I just reinstalled the WIN 95 and it still does the same message. How to i erase EVERYTHING off the hard drive. It wont let me even get to the main screen. It just restarts itself. Can i format it in the Command Prompt at the start of windows?

Bootdisk is the preferred method

Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie!'... till you can find a rock

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I would get one with CD-ROM support from www.bootdisk.com

You run it on any working machine and use the download to "create" a floppy (don't just copy the download onto the floppy).

DerekW

I managed to Reinstall windows and i can get it to the main screen but errors are still on there. Now.. How do i Format my hard drive and the reinstall windows?

You use this command:

format c:

When it has finished proceed just like before.

Notes
You will lose everything including drivers (modem, sound, video etc). If you have CD's for these then grab them for later. Otherwise it's a case of Googling to get them. Backup all your added programs and files before you start.

Make sure you have a product key for the W95 CD.
If you haven't then shout back because we can get it off the system before you start.

DerekW

The repair procedures as outlined in the Count's link certainly seemed to have merit

I can't help but wonder what new challenges will arise for a 'first time formatter'

I guess we'll see.

Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie!'... till you can find a rock

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Yes, good possibility of a load of new problems. Often best to explore other avenues for a while and use format as last resort.

DerekW

instead of formatting, rename windows folder to windows.000
then install windows to c:\windows

In order to accomplish what, exactly?

Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie!'... till you can find a rock

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