Boca Vortek Drivers Cause "Error in EXE File" Error Message (128640)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q128640

SYMPTOMS

After you use the Vortek Utilities SET RES tool to change the display resolution and Windows 95 restarts your computer, you receive the following error message and are returned to a command prompt:
Error in EXE file
If Windows 95 does not restart your computer, the correct resolution is displayed until the next time you start Windows 95. You receive the error message at that time and are returned to a command prompt.

CAUSE

The SET RES tool attempts to modify the WIN.COM file and causes the WIN.COM file to have a size of 0 bytes. Windows 95 cannot load without a valid WIN.COM file.

RESOLUTION

Restart your computer and boot to a command prompt by pressing the F8 key when you see the "Starting Windows 95" message. Choose "Command Prompt Only" when you are prompted. Then, replace the damaged WIN.COM file by extracting the WIN.CNF file from the original Windows 95 disks or CD-ROM.

To extract the WIN.CNF file, follow these steps:
  1. If you are using diskettes, insert Disk 3 in the appropriate disk drive. If you are using the CD-ROM, insert the CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive.
  2. Change to the <windows>\COMMAND directory, where <windows> is your Windows 95 directory.
  3. If you are using Disk 3, type the following command

    extract <sd>:\win95_03.cab win.cnf /L <dd>:\<windows> win.com /Y

    where <sd> is the disk drive containing Disk 3, <dd> is the hard disk containing Windows 95, and <windows> is the Windows 95 directory. For example, if you have Disk 3 in drive A, and Windows 95 is in the WINDOWS directory on drive C, type:

    extract a:\win95_03.cab win.cnf /L c:\windows win.com /Y

  4. If you are using the CD-ROM, type the following command

    extract <sd>:\win95\win95_03.cab win.cnf /L <dd>:\<win> win.com /Y

    where <sd> is the CD-ROM drive, <dd> is the hard disk containing Windows 95, and <win> is the Windows 95 directory. For example, if the CD-ROM drive is drive D, and Windows 95 is in the WINDOWS directory on drive C, type:

    extract d:\win95\win95_03.cab win.cnf /L c:\windows win.com /Y

NOTE: The /Y switch causes the EXTRACT command to replace the existing WIN.COM file without prompting you for confirmation.

MORE INFORMATION

The third-party product discussed here is manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:7/28/2001
Keywords:kbAppCompatibility KB128640
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