Err Msg: The Microsoft Windows 32-Bit Disk Driver (WDCTRL)... (84937)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows 3.11
This article was previously published under Q84937

SYMPTOMS

If you run Windows version 3.1 in 386 enhanced mode with the 32-bit disk access feature enabled, the following error message may appear:
The Microsoft Windows 32-bit disk driver (WDCTRL) will not be loaded because WDCTRLDISABLE=Y is set in this machine's environment. Remove this environment string and the 32-bit disk driver will load normally.

To continue starting Windows without using the 32-bit disk driver, press any key.

CAUSE

This error message occurs when there is an environment variable called WDCTRLDISABLE being set at the MS-DOS level before Windows is started.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, use the MS-DOS SET command to check for the existence of WDCTRLDISABLE, and if it exists, type the following at the MS-DOS command prompt to clear it:

SET WDCTRLDISABLE=

If necessary, edit the AUTOEXEC.BAT file in a text editor such as Notepad or the MS-DOS Editor to remove the WDCTRLDISABLE=Y setting.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/10/2003
Keywords:KB84937
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.