Error Message: Error Loading. You Must Reinstall Windows. (172378)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q172378

SYMPTOMS

When you start your computer, you may receive the following error message:
Error loading. You must reinstall Windows.

CAUSE

This error message can occur if the "shell=" line in the System.ini file is missing the reference to the Explorer.exe file.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
  1. Use any text editor (such as Notepad) to open the System.ini file in the Windows folder.
  2. Modify the "shell=" line so that it reads:

    shell=explorer.exe

  3. Save and then close the System.ini file, and then restart Windows 95.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/17/2000
Keywords:kbenv kberrmsg KB172378
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