No VMM.32VXD file

I tried to bootup my computer and got a message saying that VMM.32VXD is required to run Windows. If this file is not in your Path you may need to reinstall windows. I have windows SE and tried to reinstall it over the top of itself. Checked on google and found that VMM32.VXD is a set of files that are unique to each compter. I started the reinstall and and a windows popped up saying that an operating system is already installed which cannot be upgraded by this version of setup. You need to obtain the windows 98 upgrade. I have reinstalled windows on this computer several times, and have never had this problem. I do not want to reformat it if possible. Thanks

 

Hi 2fonda
Welcome to the boards! Any chance you have a Umax Scanner? Alternately, I've found this.

Daizy

 

Boot with a startup floppy, you can get a file that will create one at Bootdisk's.
When you are at the A:> prompt type in these commands, pressing enter at the end of each one.
c:
cd\windows
ren win.com win.old

Install windows.

 

Hi 2Fonda,

Vmm32.exe is a virtual device driver database that Windows builds on your computer. If it becomes corrupted or deleted, your computer will be unable to boot Windows. The bad news is that this file frequently becomes corrupted. The good news (sort of) is that the file can be backed up. I wrote a .bat file and posted it on my web site which backs up your registry and vmm32.vxd files and can restore them from DOS. The web site is:

web.lemoyne.edu/~dishawjp

Follow the links to the DOS side of the web site and go to the "my Windows Utility" batch files. Look at the regbak and regrest utilities. There are a few other files there that may also help you out.

But for your immediate problem.... it looks like you have a "fulll install" CD disk rather than an "upgrade disk." The work around for this is to create an empty file on the root of your c:\ directoty named "NTLDR" without the quotes and rename your c:\windows\win.com file to win.old amd then try your install CD again.

Just a few thoughts and I hope they help. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me directly.

Jim Dishaw

 

Thanks Daisy, but no Umax scanner. Had found that on google though. dishawjp and markp62 will follow your instructions and see what happens. Thank you all.

 

2fonda

Quote
I started the reinstall and and a windows popped up saying that an operating system is already installed which cannot be upgraded by this version of setup.
Unquote

In this case, boot to dos (F8 to startup menu) choose command prompt only.

type
cd\windows (hit enter)

type

ren win.com win.bak (hit enter).

Now you can install! So do the install again.

Mike