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Q137824: "Invalid Vxd" Error Message Starting Windows 95

Article: Q137824
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): 95
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): win95
Last Modified: 17-DEC-2000

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows 95 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When you start Windows 95, you may receive the following error message:

  Error: Invalid VxD

Your computer may then stop responding (hang) with a cursor in the upper left
corner of a black screen.

When this occurs, you can start Windows 95 in Safe mode, but there is no mouse
support.

CAUSE
=====

This problem can occur if you are using an Acecad Mouse Pad tablet. When you
install the Acecad Mouse Pad tablet, the installation program makes a change to
the System.ini file that is not compatible with Windows 95.

RESOLUTION
==========

To work around this problem, follow these steps:

1. Restart your computer in Safe mode. To do so, restart your computer, press
  the F8 key when you see the "Starting Windows 95" message, and then choose
  Safe Mode Command Prompt Only from the Startup menu.

2. Type the following line to change to the Windows folder, and then press
  ENTER

  " cd <windows> " (without the quotation marks)

  where <windows> is the path to the Windows folder.

3. Type the following line and then press ENTER:

  " edit system.ini " (without the quotation marks)

4. Disable the following line in the [386Enh] section of the file by placing a
  semicolon (;) at the beginning of the line:

  " mouse=vsermd.386 " (without the quotation marks)

5. Save and then close the System.ini file.

6. Restart your computer. Windows 95 will start normally without a mouse.

To resolve this problem, contact Acecad to inquire about obtaining updated
drivers for Windows 95.

======================================================================
Keywords          : win95 
Technology        : kbWin95search kbZNotKeyword3
Version           : 95

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