Error Message: The File C:\Windows\Himem.sys Is Missing or Corrupted (296636)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
This article was previously published under Q296636

SYMPTOMS

When you start your computer, you may receive the following error message:
The following file is missing or corrupted: C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS

HIMEM.SYS is missing
Make sure that the file is in your Windows directory.

Windows has stopped. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE to restart your computer.
You may then be unable to start your Microsoft Windows 98 or Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE)-based computer.

CAUSE

This issue can occur if the Himem.sys Windows system file is missing or damaged.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, extract a new copy of the Himem.sys file from your Windows 98 or Windows 98 SE CD:
  1. Start your computer with CD-ROM support by using your Windows 98 startup disk.
  2. Insert the Windows media into the CD or DVD-ROM drive.
  3. Type the following command line (where drive is the drive letter of the CD or DVD-ROM drive), and then press ENTER:

    drive:

    For example:

    D:

    Note: If you have an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) installation of Windows, your Windows installation files may be located in the C:\Windows\Options\Cabs folder on the hard disk.
  4. Type the following command line, and then press ENTER:

    cd\win98

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

    extract /a /y /e /l c:\windows base4.cab himem.sys

  6. After the file is extracted, restart your computer.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about extracting Windows files, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

129605 How to Extract Original Compressed Windows Files

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/20/2004
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB296636
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