KnowledgeBase Archive

An Archive of Early Microsoft KnowledgeBase Articles

View on GitHub

Q321775: Error Loading Gdi.exe Connecting to Terminal Server

Article: Q321775
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): 4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 30-MAY-2002

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0, Terminal Server Edition 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS
========

When you try to start a Terminal Server client session, you may receive the
following error message:

  Error loading GDI.EXE

CAUSE
=====

This issue may occur if both of the following conditions are true:

- You are using a Microsoft Windows 95-based computer to connect to the
  Terminal server.

  -and-

- The Windows 95-based computer is using a video card that uses hardware
  acceleration.

RESOLUTION
==========

To resolve this issue, reduce the graphics acceleration setting. To do so,
follow these steps:

1. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.

2. Click the Performance tab, click Graphics, and then reduce the Hardware
  Acceleration slider by one notch.

3. Click OK, and then click Close.

4. Click Yes when you are prompted to restart your computer.

5. Try to start a Terminal Server Client session. If you receive the error
  message again, repeat steps 1 through 4, and reduce the Hardware Acceleration
  slider by another notch.

Additional query words:

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbNTTermServ400 kbNTTermServSearch
Version           : :4.0
Issue type        : kbprb

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.