annmariexx

I need some advice from the pc buffs out there.....again

I have a really old (7/8 years) pc tower, it has a pentium 2 processor, and has windows 98 installed.....stop laughing

It hasn't even been switched on for about 5 years, but i'm loathe to throw it away, cos there's loads of photographs, and also some excel spreadsheets on it that i really want/need to keep.

The problem is...I just linked it all up and turned it on, and although it seems to boot up, i keep getting a message saying File initializing device VKD: 'windows protection error. You need to restart your computer'
when i restart it, it all boots up again, then i get the same message.
Can anyone tell me how to go about bypassing this message?

Thanks in advance

Ann Marie

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paulj65

beat it with a stick. otherwise, switch it off and wait for a least one minute in the hope that it forgets

really i wasn't joking about the forgetting bit

treble99

Welshsprout or Robbie1234 will sort you out.

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paulj65

ok that probably is a better idea than mine. the stick one gives you great satisfaction though

well is it sorted and for future forumers(?) which method did you use?

annmariexx

Well Paul, thanks for that really helpful advice

Unfortunately it may be old, but has a very good memory. I've turned it on and off about 30 times, and still the same

Think the stick idea, might be not such a bad one?

Ann Marie

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paulj65

try this for size. others are often cleverer than me

welshsprout

<=== resize the window this wide if you do not see a neat table below ===>

<start edit>
See potdog's comments below... try another keyboard could be the keyboad itself is faulty.
Well spotted potdog!!! I should have seen that!!

< end edit>

First of all this is a VXD error which is a virtual device driver, most
likely the mouse driver.

1. boot into safe mode
1.1 How to
1.1.1 Turn your computer on
1.1.2 When you see "Starting Windows" press the <F8> key
1.1.3 This will take you to a menu
1.1.4 Select "Safe Mode" and press <enter>
The computer will take longer to start windows be patient.
1.1.5 If all goes well you will be presented with an alert box "windows
is running in safe mode click on OK, you should now be at the
desktop with the words 'Safe mode' in all four corners/
2. Find and rename the file msmouse.vxd
2.1 How to.
2.1.1 Click on the start button
2.1.2 Look for Find/Search
2.1.3 In the box 'Named' type 'msmouse.vxd' (no the quotes)
2.1.4 Click on 'Find'
2.2 Rename msmouse,vxd
2.2.1 Left click on the filename shown in the search window.
2.2.2 Press the <F2> key (This hi-lights the filename so you can
change it.
2.2.3 Type 'msmouse.old' (again no quotes) and press
<Enter> key.
3. Shutdown and turn OFF the computer.
4. LEAVE IT OFF for at LEAST 15 seconds.
5. Turn it back on.

At this point it can go a number of different ways.... Stops at a DOS screen, locks up, stuck in a reboot loop, boot to desktop no mouse movement OR it could just notice the file is missing and ask for your Windows CD and install it.

Or just maybe it will find a whole new direction to go in.... hey this is Windows!!! I mean lets face it if your car crashed three times in one day would you just restart and carry on going NO WAY!!! but Windows hey what do you expect.

I have written my reply in this way as I am unsure how well you know Windows,
feel free to PM me if you need any further help with this, alternatively the forum does have a tech chat room just let me know when!

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paulj65

well i knew there was a bit when you turned it off and left it i just forgot the forty two earlier steps. yrros

potdog

VKD is the Virtual Keyboard Device. Try a new keyboard or just reseating the keyboard connection. Also check for sticking keys.

Could be that simple!

Potdog

annmariexx

Thanks for the help guys,
when i turn it on, it wont let me do the f8 thing, it gives me 2 options, F1 to run setup. F2 to load default values and continue. if i do F2 now it gives me a startup menu
1 Normal
2 Logged (/bootlog.txt)
3 safe Mode
4 Safe Mode with network support
5. Step-by-step confirmation
6 command prompt only
7. safe mode command prompt only

if i try doing 3 safe mode, it just ends in the same error message

Ann Marie

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