Scivdd.dll Generates Error Messages at Windows NT Startup (155726)

SYMPTOMS

After installing Windows NT 4.0 on a Toshiba laptop computer, you may receive error messages involving the Scivdd.dll file when you start your computer. These error messages may be similar to:

X m. An installable Virtual Device Driver Failed Dll initialization.

16 bit Windows Subsystem
Hidden Console of WOW VDM
An installable Virtual Device Driver failed Dll initialization. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.

CAUSE

This problem can occur if you installed Windows NT in any folder other than the <drive>:\Winnt folder when you install the Toshiba utilities. The problem is caused by the SCI drivers. The Advanced Power Management (APM) subsystem from Toshiba by itself does not cause the problem.

The SCI drivers are used by the 16-bit utilities that allow you to modify the BIOS settings. The 16-bit utilities that require the Scivdd.dll file are the Toshiba Hardware Setup and Max Time Manager utilities.

You can avoid installing the SCI drivers during Setup by clicking cancel for the SCI drivers installation during the Toshiba utilities installation process.

The problem occurs because the Scivdd.dll file is hard coded to look for other DLLs in the Winnt\System32 folder. When they are not found, the DLL does not load and you receive the error message.

RESOLUTION

Contact Toshiba for more information regarding this product.

A possible workaround is to create a <drive>:\Winnt folder and copy all the SCI related DLLs to this folder in the same structure.

MORE INFORMATION

This problem can affect all 16-bit programs run under Windows NT. This includes not only character-based programs, but 16-bit Windows-based programs as well.

The third-party product discussed in this article is manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or other- wise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.