Err Msg: Cannot Find a Device File...Vnetsup.vxd (137454)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q137454


IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, you should first make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the Windows folder.

SYMPTOMS

When you start Windows 95, you may receive the following error message:
Cannot find a device file that may be needed to run Windows or a Windows application.

The Windows registry or System.ini file refers to this device file, but the device file no longer exists.

If you deleted this file on purpose, try uninstalling the associated application using its uninstall program or setup program.

If you still want to use the application associated with this device file, try reinstalling that application to replace the missing file.

Vnetsup.vxd

-or-

Dfs.vxd

CAUSE

This problem can occur if you remove the Microsoft Network components in Network properties. When you do so, a reference to the Vnetsup.vxd or Dfs.vxd file is not removed from the registry.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it.

To work around this problem, use either of the following methods:
  • Use Registry Editor to delete the StaticVxD value in the Vnetsup subkey under the following registry entry: 
          HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlset\Services\VxD\vnetsup
    -or-

    Use Registry Editor to delete the StaticVxD value in the DFS subkey under the following registry entry: 
          HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlset\Services\VxD\dfs
  • Install and remove network components. To do so, follow these steps:

    1. In Control Panel, double-click Network.
    2. Click Add, click Adapter, and then click Add.
    3. In the Manufacturers box, click Detected Network Driver. In the Network Adapters box, click Existing NDIS2 Driver, and then click OK.
    4. If you have not entered a workgroup name and a computer name previously, you are prompted to do so. If you are prompted, fill in the appropriate fields on the Identification tab.
    5. Click OK or Close until you return to Control Panel. When you are prompted to restart your computer, do so.
    6. In Control Panel, double-click Network.
    7. Click the network adapter, and then click Remove.
    8. Click OK. When you are prompted to restart your computer, do so.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/17/2000
Keywords:KB137454
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