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Q91193: Windows Err Msg: Missing / Unable to Load

Article: Q91193
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): WINDOWS:3.1,3.11
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 26-SEP-1999

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows versions 3.1, 3.11 
- Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11 
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SYMPTOMS
========

The following error message may be displayed when you try to start Microsoft
Windows or Windows for Workgroups in 386 enhanced mode:

  : Missing / Unable to Load

CAUSE
=====

This error message may be caused by an outdated or corrupt version of the
WIN386.EXE file on the system.


WORKAROUND
==========

Cause 1: Duplicate or Outdated Copy of WIN386.EXE
-------------------------------------------------

The most common cause of this error message is the presence of the Windows 3.0
version of WIN386.EXE file in the Windows directory. Windows finds this file
instead of the correct (3.1) version of the file located in the Windows \SYSTEM
directory.

To correct this problem, delete or rename the outdated file.

Search the hard drive for all copies of WIN386.EXE present. If your machine is
running Microsoft MS-DOS version 5.0 or later, you can use the DIR command with
the /S switch from the root directory of each drive by typing the following:

  CD\ <ENTER>
  DIR WIN386.EXE /S

This generates a report showing the directory location of each instance of the
WIN386.EXE file. All copies of the file besides the one in the Windows \SYSTEM
subdirectory should be renamed or deleted.

Cause 2: Corrupt WIN386.EXE
---------------------------

The WIN386.EXE file should have the same date as the rest of the Windows .EXE
files, such as WRITE.EXE. The date may vary depending on OEM versions of
Windows, but all .EXE files should match. It is also possible that the file has
the correct date but is still corrupt. If there is only one copy of WIN386.EXE
on the hard drive, rename the file and use the EXPAND.EXE utility to expand it
from the original Windows disks, as follows:

  EXPAND A:\WIN386.EX_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WIN386.EXE


Additional query words: 3.10

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbAudDeveloper kbWin3xSearch kbWFWSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbWin310 kbWin311 kbWFW310 kbWFW311
Version           : WINDOWS:3.1,3.11

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