"Fatal Exception 03H..." Error Message During Windows 98 Setup

ID: Q182142

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

When you install Windows 98, you may receive one of the following error messages when your computer first restarts during Setup:

MPREXE.EXE caused an exception 03H in module USER32.DLL at <memory address>

USR32.EXE caused an exception 03H in module USER32.DLL at <memory address>


CAUSE

This behavior can occur if a program is running that prevents Windows 98 from upgrading files on your computer.


RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Restart your computer using the Windows 98 Startup disk.


  2. On the Windows 98 Startup menu, choose the correct CD-ROM support for your computer.


  3. Type the following commands, pressing ENTER after each command

    c:
    cd <windows>\system
    ren user32.dll user32.dlx
    ren gdi32.dll gdi32.dlx
    ren winmm.dll winmm.dlx
    a:\ext.exe

    where <windows> is the name of your Windows folder.


  4. Type the following line, and then press ENTER

    <CD-ROM drive>:\win98

    where <CD-ROM drive> is the drive letter assigned to your CD-ROM drive. Note that this letter may be different when you boot your computer with the Windows 98 Startup disk.


  5. Type the following line, and then press ENTER:

    user32.dll gdi32.dll winmm.dll


  6. Type the following line, and then press ENTER

    <drive>:\<windows>\system

    where <drive> is the drive on which Windows is installed, and <windows> is the folder containing Windows.


  7. Review the information displayed. If it is correct, press Y.


When Ext.exe has finished extracting the files, follow these steps:
  1. Remove the Windows 98 Startup disk, and then restart your computer.


  2. Press and hold down the CTRL key as your computer restarts. On the Windows 98 Startup menu, choose Safe Mode.


  3. After Windows 98 starts, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add/Remove Programs.


  4. On the Install/Uninstall tab, click any utility that you have installed, and then click Add/Remove to remove the utility. Repeat this step to remove any utilities you have installed.


  5. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Taskbar And Start Menu.


  6. Click the Start Menu Programs tab, and then click Remove.


  7. Double-click Startup, click the appropriate entry, and then click Remove.


  8. Click Close, click OK, and then restart your computer.


  9. Restart your computer.


  10. In Microsoft System Information, click System File Checker on the Tools menu.


  11. Click Settings, click the Advanced tab, click Restore Defaults, and then click OK.


  12. Restart your computer.



STATUS

This problem is resolved in the final version of Windows 98.

Additional query words: reboot 


Keywords          : kberrmsg kbsetup win98 
Version           : WINDOWS:
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: February 3, 1999