What are "VXD" Files?
mut...@yahoo.com
running 98 SE. The computer boots to Windows, but then two DOS-based
warnings about missing VXD files appear. All you have to do to
continue the boot is press "Enter" (after reading the warning that the
computer is missing these files). There *is* a subsequent Windows
(meaning graphics-style) warning about a missing DLL file, which also
can be bypassed by pressing Enter.
The problem is the relative is handicapped with minimal use of a
dominant arm, and I'd like if possible to remove these warnings. Will
I have to reinstall WIndows?
Thank you.
Labrat
Sep 2006 05:20:01a:
> Someone came to tinker with an elderly relative's ancient Gateway,
> running 98 SE. The computer boots to Windows, but then two DOS-based
> warnings about missing VXD files appear.
I have the same problem with a file called viagart.vxd. I searched the
registry for it, removed it and the same error message came up without
the file name.
This kind of thing has happened many times before. Clearing the file
portions of the registry or from the system.ini file usually gets rid of
the problem. Back-up both before messing with them.
>All you have to do to
> continue the boot is press "Enter" (after reading the warning that the
> computer is missing these files). There *is* a subsequent Windows
> (meaning graphics-style) warning about a missing DLL file, which also
> can be bypassed by pressing Enter.
Same here tho it seems to have fixed itself. It was DDEML.DLL. Claimed
it was copied over with an older version. Searched all my drives for a
newer version but had no luck. I'm running a dual-boot system with 98SE
and WinXP. Xp is shot and I'm replacing it with Linux. Should be lots
of fun.
>
> The problem is the relative is handicapped with minimal use of a
> dominant arm, and I'd like if possible to remove these warnings. Will
> I have to reinstall WIndows?
Doing a re-install should be your last resort tho has a good success rate
at keeping programs and data intact. If you can do a complete back-up it
is advisable. Using Norton Ghost or another imaging program will still
leave you with the same problem if you have to do a restore but at least
you'll be able to start from Step 1 again without too much hassle.
Later......
Labrat...... |:^{)
mut...@yahoo.com
>
> I have the same problem with a file called viagart.vxd. I searched the
> registry for it, removed it and the same error message came up without
> the file name.
>
> This kind of thing has happened many times before. Clearing the file
> portions of the registry or from the system.ini file usually gets rid of
> the problem. Back-up both before messing with them.
>
> >All you have to do to
> > continue the boot is press "Enter" (after reading the warning that the
> > computer is missing these files). There *is* a subsequent Windows
> > (meaning graphics-style) warning about a missing DLL file, which also
> > can be bypassed by pressing Enter.
>
> Same here tho it seems to have fixed itself. It was DDEML.DLL. Claimed
> it was copied over with an older version. Searched all my drives for a
> newer version but had no luck. I'm running a dual-boot system with 98SE
> and WinXP. Xp is shot and I'm replacing it with Linux. Should be lots
> of fun.
I tried to access the registry using MSREG; couldn't do it. Tried to
access the registry on the System Information in "Accessories." Got
rid manually of all driver-related files that could have been the
problem, and the boot still was interrupted by these two files, I think
"dsf.vxd" and something starting "dir*.vxd."
Anyway, I found this and other kindly responses too difficult to
follow. I used to be more adept at fiddling with the registry than I
am now (XP spoils you, it seems). Any step by step help greatly
appreciated.
Labrat
Sep 2006 06:09:57a:
>
> I tried to access the registry using MSREG; couldn't do it. Tried to
> access the registry on the System Information in "Accessories." Got
> rid manually of all driver-related files that could have been the
> problem, and the boot still was interrupted by these two files, I think
> "dsf.vxd" and something starting "dir*.vxd."
>
> Anyway, I found this and other kindly responses too difficult to
> follow. I used to be more adept at fiddling with the registry than I
> am now (XP spoils you, it seems). Any step by step help greatly
> appreciated.
>
>
Make sure you have the actual file names that are causing the problems.
They are there on the screen until you press the 'any key'. (Damn it! I
don't see no 'any key' on this keyboard!) :0)
As system.ini is the least dangerous file to mess with lets deal with it
first.
As an aside, you do have at least a Win98 boot disk don't you?
If not, do that first and add cd-rom support.
Go to c:\windows in explorer, find system.ini>right click>open with>
notepad. Use search function to find annoying file names. If there back
up system.ini first. (Save as system.old) Then delete lines containing
said files. Save as system.ini. Reboot.
Worked right!?
Maybe not.
Then you have to mess with the registry. That's another chapter. Try the
above first then get back to me. I've been pounding my butt off in an
old Mack truck for the last thirty hours and feel in dire need of a nap.
To get to the registry go START>Run regedit. Be afraid ...very, very
afraid! A registry backup program that uses a boot disk is strongly
recommended before you start digging around in this can of worms. 98SE
can usually recover from screw-ups but only Bill knows if it will.
Anybody else see anything wrong or can add to this in a constructive way,
... please do.
Later......
Labrat...... |:^{)
mut...@yahoo.com
> voiced his/her/it's humble opinion in alt.comp.os.windows-98se on Tue 19
>
> They are there on the screen until you press the 'any key'. (Damn it! I
> don't see no 'any key' on this keyboard!) :0)
>
> As system.ini is the least dangerous file to mess with lets deal with it
> first.
>
> As an aside, you do have at least a Win98 boot disk don't you?
> If not, do that first and add cd-rom support.
>
> Go to c:\windows in explorer, find system.ini>right click>open with>
> notepad. Use search function to find annoying file names. If there back
> up system.ini first. (Save as system.old) Then delete lines containing
> said files. Save as system.ini. Reboot.
>
> Worked right!?
>
> Maybe not.
>
> Then you have to mess with the registry. That's another chapter. Try the
> above first then get back to me. I've been pounding my butt off in an
> old Mack truck for the last thirty hours and feel in dire need of a nap.
>
> To get to the registry go START>Run regedit. Be afraid ...very, very
> afraid! A registry backup program that uses a boot disk is strongly
> recommended before you start digging around in this can of worms. 98SE
> can usually recover from screw-ups but only Bill knows if it will.
>
> Anybody else see anything wrong or can add to this in a constructive way,
> ... please do.
Hey, thanks, LaBrat. As I said, I've been using XP for three years and
totally forgot the commands and procedures for dealing with registry
problems in older Windows. Worst that could happen is the computer
implodes, but, hey, it's running a P2 233.
(BTW, does anyone know if I could conceivably install a video capture
card for above-referenced relative on a machine this old? When did TV
tuner cards come on the market--2000?)
Labrat
20 Sep 2006 04:27:59a:
That's LabRat dude. Tho as a kid i'm pretty sure I was a Brat.
You can get the above hardware for win98. I'm looking at one now and
would have picked it up but scored the 16X DVD burner with LightScribe,
burns an image on top of special DVDs. Crap! Just looked at the box and
you have to have 2000 or XP to us it.
Later......
Labrat...... |:^{)