Error Message: Cannot Find a Device File That May Be Needed to Run Windows (280135)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
This article was previously published under Q280135
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you start your computer, you may receive the following error message:
Cannot find a device file that may be needed to run Windows or a Windows application.

The Windows registry or SYSTEM.INI file refers to this device, but the device file no longer exists ...

If you still want to use the application associated with this device file, try reinstalling that application to replace the missing file.
The file name may be Fbwin95.vxd or Vshinit.vxd.

CAUSE

These files are components of McAfee Safe and Sound, an associated program. The registry refers to these files, however, if the files no longer exist or if the program is damaged, you receive the error message described in the preceding section.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, contact McAfee for support for issues that arise with the McAfee Safe and Sound program.

WORKAROUND

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To work around this issue, follow these steps:
  1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).
  2. Locate the following key in the registry:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\Vshinit

  3. Back up the Vshinit key, and then delete the entire key.
  4. Quit Registry Editor, and then restart your computer.
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:1/14/2006
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB280135
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