Error Message: Error Loading Explorer.exe You Must Reinstall Windows (306599)


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 Q306599

SYMPTOMS

When you start your computer, Microsoft Windows may start to a blank desktop and you may receive an error message similar to the following
Error loading EXPLORER.EXE. You must reinstall Windows.
Explorer.exe unknown program name
where unknown program name is the name of an unknown executable program file.

After you receive this error message, your computer may stop responding (hang) or restart. This behavior can also occur when you start Windows 98 in Safe Mode.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur in the following situation:
  • Windows Explorer is configured to automatically run a program on startup.

    -and-
  • That program file is missing or damaged.
NOTE: If the program file that Windows is attempting to run is unknown or unexpected, it may be part of a Trojan Horse program (virus).

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, edit the System.ini file to remove the reference to the program, and then scan the computer for a virus.

Microsoft does not provide software that can detect or remove computer viruses. If you suspect or confirm that your computer is infected with a virus, obtain current antivirus software. For a list of antivirus software manufacturers, click the following article number to see the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

49500 List of Antivirus Software Vendors



To edit the System.ini file, follow these steps:
  1. Insert a Windows 98 or Windows Millennium Edition (Me) Startup disk and start the computer to a command prompt.

    NOTE: This procedure requires a boot disk (or Startup disk) on Windows Me-based computers. If you are running Windows Me and you do not have a Startup disk, you can create one on another computer running another version of Windows. For additional information about how to create a Startup disk on another computer running Windows Me, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    267287 How to Create a Startup Disk in Windows Me

    If you do not have a Windows 98 Startup disk, you can follow these steps on a Windows 98-based computer:
    1. Start the computer. When the Power On Self Test (POST) is complete, press and hold the CTRL key. The Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu appears.
    2. Use the ARROW keys to select Safe mode command prompt only, and then press ENTER.

      A command prompt appears.
  2. At the command prompt, type C:, and then press ENTER.
  3. Type CD\Windows, and then press ENTER.

    NOTE: If Windows is installed in a folder other than Windows, substitute that folder in the above command.
  4. Type Edit System.ini, and then press ENTER.

    The System.ini file is opened in the Editor.
  5. Use the ARROW keys to place the cursor at the line that starts with shell=Explorer.exe.

    NOTE: This line is in the [boot] section of the System.ini file.
  6. Type a SEMICOLON at the beginning of that line. The line should now appear similar to the following:

    ;shell=Explorer.exe unknown program name

  7. Use the ARROW keys to move the cursor to the end of the line, and then press ENTER. A new blank line is inserted.
  8. On the new blank line, type Shell=Explorer.exe. This portion of the System.ini file should appear similar to the following:

    ;shell=Explorer.exe unknown program name
    Shell=Explorer.exe

  9. Press ALT+F.

    The File menu appears.
  10. Press S.

    The file is saved.
  11. Press ALT+F, and then press X.

    The command prompt re-appears.
  12. Remove the Windows 98 Startup disk, and then restart the computer.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/20/2004
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB306599
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.