Error Message: VMM32.VXD Is Required to Run Windows...

ID: Q194679

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

When you start your computer, you may receive the following error message:

VMM32.VXD is required to run Windows. If this file is not in your PATH, you may need to reinstall Windows.
Your computer then starts to a command prompt.


CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the Windows\System folder is missing or renamed, or if the PATH line in the Autoexec.bat file is missing or does not include the Windows\System folder.


RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, use the appropriate method below:

Method 1

  1. At the command prompt, type: dir vmm32.vxd /s.

    If the Vmm32.vxd file is not found, you must install Windows 95/98 again. If the Vmm32.vxd file is found, note the folder in which the Vmm32.vxd file is located, and then continue with step 2.


  2. At the command prompt, type the following commands, pressing ENTER after each command

    cd windows
    ren <folder> system

    where <folder> is the folder you noted in step 1.


  3. Restart your computer.


Method 2

Using a text editor (such as Notepad), edit the Autoexec.bat file and add or modify the PATH line so that it includes the Windows\System folder. For example, add the following line to your Autoexec.bat file:

path c:\windows\system

Additional query words: 


Keywords          : kberrmsg win95 win98 
Version           : WINDOWS:95
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: January 16, 1999