Error Message: Windows Cannot Find CScript.exe (248121)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 for Windows NT 4.0
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 for Windows 98
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 for Windows 95

This article was previously published under Q248121

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to run a script file, you may receive the following error message:

Windows cannot find CScript.exe. This program is needed for opening files of type (file type).

CAUSE

This issue can occur if the path for the Cscript.exe program listed in the registry is incorrect for the Cscript shell extension Open2, Open with MS-DOS Prompt.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use Registry Editor to correct the path to Cscript.exe. The Cscript.exe file is located in the Windows\Command folder.

In the following Registry keys, replace the System\Unknown part of the value data with Command.

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\JSEFile\Shell\Open2\Command

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\JSFile\Shell\Open2\Command

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VBEFile\Shell\Open2\Command

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\VBSFile\Shell\Open2\Command

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WSFFile\Shell\Open2\Command

MORE INFORMATION

The path to Cscript.exe that is created when you install Internet Explorer 5.01 is:

(drive):\(Windir)\SYSTEM\unknown\CScript.exe "%1" %*

For additional information about how to determine which folder Windows is installed in, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

305792 How to Determine Which Folder Windows Is Installed In

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	11/14/2003
Keywords:	kbenv kberrmsg kbprb KB248121