missing device

At start up I get a message "cannot find a device file which may be needed to run windows or a window application. Sys.ini file refers to this device file but it no longer exists."

Also, when trying to access my CD-ROM driive I get a message: "system cannot find the device specified" although, when powering up, the screen shows "CD-ROM drive found."

Help

 

Both poblems could be related. To work around this behavior, you must first determine whether it is caused by software or hardware. If you restart your computer in Safe mode and the problem does not occur, the origin is more likely to be a driver or program. If you restart your computer in Safe mode and the problem does occur, the issue is more likely to be hardware or damaged Windows core files.

Restart your computer, press and hold down the CTRL key until you see the Windows 98 Startup menu, and then choose Safe Mode.


Test your computer in Safe mode. If the error does not occur, use the following steps to use the System Configuration utility to identify the program or driver that may be causing the error message.


If the problem does occur, there may be a problem with your Windows installation or you may be experiencing a symptom of faulty hardware.


After your computer restarts in Safe mode, use the System Configuration utility (Msconfig.exe) to minimize conflicts that may be causing the issue:

Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Information.

On the Tools menu, click System Configuration Utility.
On the General tab, click Selective Startup, and then click to clear the following check boxes:

Process Config.sys File
Process Autoexec.bat File
Process Winstart.bat File (if available)
Process System.ini File
Process Win.ini File
Load Startup Group Items

Click OK, and then restart your computer typically when you are prompted. After you restart and test your computer, if you still do not experience the problem, continue with the next set of steps.


To identify the entry that is causing the problem:

Run the System Configuration utility again. Click to select one check box under Selective Startup, click OK, restart your computer, and then test.


Continue this process until you have selected all of the items under Selective Startup. If you select an item and the issue reoccurs, click the tab for the corresponding Selective Startup item, clear half of the check boxes, ( except for those clearly related for your mouse) click OK, and then restart your computer. Continue this process until you locate the setting that is causing the issue.

 

Thank you. I'll try it and let you know.

Sid