Error Message: VMM32.VXD Is Required to Run Windows... (194679)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q194679

SYMPTOMS

When you start your computer, you may receive the following error message:
VMM32.VXD is required to run Windows. If this file is not in your PATH, you may need to reinstall Windows.
Your computer then starts to a command prompt.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the Windows\System folder is missing or renamed, or if the PATH line in the Autoexec.bat file is missing or does not include the Windows\System folder.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, use the appropriate method:

Method 1

  1. At the command prompt, type:

    dir vmm32.vxd /s

    If the Vmm32.vxd file is not found, you must install Windows 95 or Windows 98 again. If the Vmm32.vxd file is found, note the folder in which it is located, and then continue with step 2.

  2. At the command prompt, type the following commands, pressing ENTER after each command

    cd windows
    ren folder system

    where folder is the folder you noted in step 1.

  3. Restart your computer.

Method 2

Using a text editor (such as Notepad), edit the Autoexec.bat file and add or modify the PATH line so that it includes the Windows\System folder. For example, add the following line to your Autoexec.bat file:

path=c:\windows\system

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/16/2004
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB194679
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.