Err Msg: Cannot Find 'C:\Program' or One of Its Components (220956)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
This article was previously published under Q220956
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 C:\Program or one of its components.
Or, if there is a C:\Program folder on your computer, the folder may open automatically when you start your computer.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if you have America Online (AOL) Instant Messenger installed. Windows NT cannot read past the space in the "C:\Program Files\Aim95\Aim95.exe" value located in the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Name: AIM
Type: REG_SZ
Data: C:\Program Files\aim95\aim95.exe -cnetwait.odl

RESOLUTION

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 resolve this issue, use the appropriate method:

Method 1

  1. In AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), click Setup.
  2. On the General tab, click to clear the Start AIM when Windows Starts check box.
This removes AIM from the Run key in the registry.

Method 2

View the following key with Registry Editor:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

If any value contains a space (such as "C:\Program Files"), edit the value and place quotation marks (") at the beginning and end of the value. For example,

"C:\Program Files\Aim95\Aim95.exe"

instead of

C:\Program Files\Aim95\Aim95.exe



NOTE:This same error can occur if the following entry is in place. The same registry key needs to be checked for the following entry.

MSMSGS"="C:\\Program Files\\Messenger\\msmsgs.exe /background



Method 3

Either remove the entry or open MSN instant messenger from the taskbar. Or Select Tools/options/Preferences and unselect the following options.

1. Run this program when windows starts
2. Allow this program to run in the background.
3. Change the registry key

If any value contains a space (such as "C:\Program Files"), edit the value and place quotation marks (") at the beginning and end of the value. For example:

C:\Program Files\ Messenger\msmsgs.exe /background


instead of

C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe /background

MORE INFORMATION

This problem can occur if you clear the "Start AIM when Windows Starts" check box and then later select it again.

When AIM is initially installed, it adds itself to the Run key in the registry using the MS-DOS version of the path (C:\Progra~1\Aim95\Aim95.exe). If you clear the check box and then select it later, AIM add the setting using long file names but no quotation marks (C:\Program Files\Aim95\Aim95.exe).

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:MajorLast Reviewed:6/11/2002
Keywords:kb3rdparty kbenv kberrmsg kbprb KB220956
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.