Windows Err Msg: Divide by Zero (81228)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2.03
  • Microsoft Windows 2.1
  • Microsoft Windows 2.11
  • Microsoft Windows 3.0
  • Microsoft Windows 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11

This article was previously published under Q81228

SUMMARY

The "Divide by zero" error message is often caused by a command or a series of commands that result in the mathematical division by zero, which is an illegal operation. This error can also be triggered by other error conditions, such as a quotient too large to fit in the designated register.

MORE INFORMATION

The following are possible causes of the "Divide By Zero" error when you are running Windows:

  • Memory-resident software of any kind.

    Remove all memory-resident software from your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files. (Booting from an original MS-DOS floppy disk for testing purposes is helpful.)
  • Incompatible disk-partitioning software.

    Windows supports the use of the MS-DOS FDISK command to partition the hard disk. Third-party disk-partitioning programs (such as Golden Bow VFeature, Disk Manager, and SpeedStor) may cause problems. Contact the software manufacturer for information about Windows compatibility.
  • Improperly installed extended or expanded memory.

    Verify that your extended-memory board has the correct starting address and amount of memory set using its dip switches or jumpers. It may be set to overlap other memory in the system or to leave memory gaps.
  • Corrupted installation of Windows

    Boot from an original MS-DOS floppy disk, reinstall Windows from the original disks, and test. If the problem still occurs, you may have corrupted disks or a hardware incompatibility. Contact Microsoft Product Support Services for assistance at (425) 637-7098.
  • Incompatible caching or shadow RAM hardware.

    Disable your computers disk-caching and shadow-RAM features.
  • Corrupted, incompatible, or poorly written high-resolution video display drivers.

    To work around this problem, use the standard Windows or Windows for Workgroups VGA driver.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/19/2005
Keywords:KB81228