"While initializing device IOS, an I/O subsystem driver failed to load" error message when you start your Windows 98-based computer (311108)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98
This article was previously published under Q311108

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to start Windows, you may receive the following error message:
While initializing device IOS, an I/O subsystem driver failed to load.

Either a file in the IOSubsys subdirectory is corrupt or the system is low on memory.

CAUSE

This issue can occur when the IOSubsys folder is damaged.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, rename the IOSubsys folder, and then reinstall Windows 98. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Insert a Windows 98 Startup disk, and then restart the computer to a command prompt.
  2. At the command prompt, type c:, and then press ENTER.
  3. Type cd\Windows\system, and then press ENTER.
  4. Type ren iosubsys iosubold, and then press ENTER.
  5. Reinstall Microsoft Windows 98. For additional information about installing Windows 98, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    188881 How to Install Windows 98: Helpful Tips and Suggestions

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about troubleshooting IOS-related error messages, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

263466 Error Message: Initializing Device IOS Windows Protection Error

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/20/2004
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB311108
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.