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What to do about error messages during Windows startup

Intended For
Windows Vista
Windows XP
Windows 2003
Windows 2000
Windows Me
Windows 98
Windows 95
You may have seen a strange message when Windows is loading. If it only happens once, don't worry about it. If, on the other hand, it is recurring, it can be caused by many different things. Here are the usual culprits:
  • A file can't be found: A driver or progam is configured to load when Windows starts, but the file is either corrupt or missing. Usually this means that you need to reinstall the driver or application, or remove the reference (if the respective device or application has been removed).
  • A driver won't load: This could either be that the driver is corrupted, or the device which the driver controls isn't functioning properly.
  • Virus: Viruses can cause this type of problem, and malfunctioning viruses can as well! Scan your system with updated anti-virus software.


The following are places that files or drivers can be specified to load when Windows starts. Often simply removing the reference to the file solves the problem - at the very least, locating the driver will help determine the culprit.

  • Look in your Startup folder (usually found in your Start Menu folder) for outdated or unwanted shortcuts.
  • Older programs might still install themselves in your WIN.INI file (on the same line that starts with "LOAD="). Use Notepad to edit this file. (Windows 95, 98, and Me only)
  • Search your Registry for the filename; try looking in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Run for a place to start.
  • Programs notorious for putting things in these places include backup utilities that automatically load their useless scheduler programs, and the software that comes with older versions of Micrsoft mice and keyboards.


Written by: Annoyances.org
Last updated: Wednesday, February 7, 2007

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