Error message

Doug W · 12th October 2003

I get this error message before windows starts up when turning my computer on, and am wondering how to correct this problem.

Cannot find a device file that may be needed to run windows or a windows application.

The windows registry or system.ini file refers to this device file but the device file no longer exists.

If you deleted this file on purpose, try uninstalling the associated application using its uninstall or setup program.

If you still want to use the application associated with this device file, try reinstalling that application to replace the missing file.

C:\Windows\System\Vshinit.vxd

Press any key to continue
(blinking cursor)

goddez1 · 12th October 2003

File belongs to McAfee Virus program:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=280135

If you have uninstalled this in some way other than per the directions you may have trash left behind. Sometimes these things have to have certains settings returned back to windows before uninstall and they sure can't be running in the background.