Error Message: Invalid Path, Not Directory, or Directory Not Empty (245560)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95

This article was previously published under Q245560

SYMPTOMS

When you start your Windows 98-based computer, you may receive the following error message:
Invalid path, not directory, or directory not empty.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the Winstart.bat file calls the Tmpcpyis.bat file and the Tmpcpyis.bat file contains the following entry:

@C:\WINDOWS\tmpcpyis.bat

This entry may be added by the InstallShield version 3 program.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, contact InstallShield to inquire about the availability of a fix for this issue.

To work around this issue, use either of the following methods:

Method 1

If the Winstart.bat file only contains a Tmpcpyis.bat entry, rename the Winstart.bat file to Winstart.old. To rename a file, right-click the file, click Rename, type a new file name, and then press ENTER.

Method 2

Edit the Tmpcpyis.bat file, type rem at the beginning of the "@C:\WINDOWS\tmpcpyis.bat" line, save the file, and then restart your computer.

MORE INFORMATION

If you are using a 16-bit version of InstallShield version 3, it creates three files: Winstart.bat, Tmpcpyis.bat, and Tmpdelis.bat. Winstart.bat is run whenever Windows is restarted. The only entry InstallShield version 3 adds to the Winstart.bat file is the entry to start Tmpcpyis.bat. Tmpcpyis.bat contains commands to update locked files. Updating a locked file requires two entries, the first to delete the locked file, and the second to rename the new file. If you are using a 32-bit version of InstallShield version 3, it does not write to a batch (.bat) file, instead, it writes to the registry. It adds values under the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\FileRenameOperations

. Values are added to this key for files that need to be renamed. Note that both versions may also write to the Wininit.ini file.

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/20/2004
Keywords:kb3rdparty kberrmsg kbprb KB245560