Error Message: Sbs.drv Cannot Load Because Vsbs.386 Is Not Available (273012)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition

This article was previously published under Q273012

SYMPTOMS

When Microsoft Windows starts, you may receive the following error message:
Sbs.drv cannot load because vsbs.386 is not available.

CAUSE

This error can occur because the Device=C:\[path]vsmb.386 and the Device=C:\[path]vsbs.386 entries are either missing, damaged, or unable to be loaded into the [386enh] section of the System.ini file.

This error can also occur on some computers when you restart in Safe mode. If this error occurs in Safe mode, it should be ignored.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, edit the System.ini file, verify that the preceding entries exist, and verify that the preceding entries do not have a semi-colon (;) or "rem" statement at the beginning of them. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. In the Open box, type:

    System.ini

  3. Click OK.
  4. Scroll down to the [386enh] portion of this file and verify that the following statements exist and do not have a semi-colon (;) or "rem" statement at the beginning of them:

    Device=C:\[path]vsmb.386

    Device=C:\[path]vsbs.386

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/15/2006
Keywords:kbprb KB273012