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Q220956: Err Msg: Cannot Find ‘C:\Program’ or One of Its Components

Article: Q220956
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): 4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kb3rdparty kbenv kberrmsg
Last Modified: 11-JUN-2002

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
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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:

  Q256986 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 discussed in this article are manufactured by vendors
independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding
these products' performance or reliability.


Additional query words:

======================================================================
Keywords          : kb3rdparty kbenv kberrmsg 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400
Version           : :4.0
Issue type        : kbprb

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