virtual device driver HELP 2

[RBH]

I have a problem in Windows 2000, SP1. Somehow, something got damaged/changed? somewhere, and when I try to load any of the 16 bit programs on my system, which have always run just fine, I now get the following error message.

system\currentcontrolset\control\virtualdevicedriver Virtual device driver format in the registry is invalid. Choose "close" to terminate the application.

There is also an "Ignore" button in the message box. If I click on "ignore", the application appears to run, and I no longer get that error message during the current session. but, it does reappear the next session.

I went into the Registry, and found the key noted below.

hkey_local_machine\system\currentcontrolset\control\virtualdevicedriver

The entry for that key is the two lines noted

default reg_sz (value not set)
VDD reg_multi_sz c:\progra~1\symantec\s32evnt1.dll

I did a search for s32evnt1/dll on my system, and that file appears in 2 places, the C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32 folder, and in C:\Program Files\Symantec folders. I also have a vague recollection of seeing the reg_sz and reg_multi_sz entries somewhere in the past few days, but I don't remember where.

Can anyone give me any ideas on how to repair this problem? If I can't do it manually, can I do so using the "REPAIR" capability of the Win 2000 install disk? If I can't do it readily, I will probably have to start over with a reinstall of Win2K, and many many hours of reinstalling lots of hardware, and many many programs

Even though the system appears to still run OK, I don't like having things like this hanging over my head.

In addition to posting in this forum, I'd also appreciate a copy to me at

ronald.hirsch@worldnet.att.net.

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

Ron Hirsch

 

[tlcscousin]

Have you updated your anti-virus lately? With the error pointing to symantec as the culprit try an update and if it fails to cure it then a removal and reinstall would be the next step.

 

[RBH]

To SHOVEL 204,

My anti-virus software and definitions are updated often. The Symantec software that I have installed is SystemWorks, which inlcudes the AV program, and other utilities. I know the "other" utilities can be a source of problems, but they have been under control on my machine, and actually have proved helpful at times. None of them is set to "monitor" constantly. But, why would a problem with the Symantec Registry key impact my 16 bit legacy programs?

They all ran without the error message before, and even now, if I click on "ignore" when the error message comes up, they all seem to run OK.

If the solution were as simple as uninstalling SystemWorks, and then reinstalling it, that would be great news. But, I don't get the tie-in between Symantec and my 16 bit apps.

Can you offer any comments here?

Ron Hirsch

 

[tlcscousin]

I have had problems with the software after doing a windows update. This was always cured by a removal and reinstall but it is a pain in the butt having to reupdate all the anti-virus and other norton files. I am a fan of norton, and have never had problems with them except for after installing service packs from MS.

 

[Guest_imported]

I have the same error message I prefere to click on ignore because i deinstalled my win2000 quiet often in the past and I have got enought.
Also in my Device Manager is something "?" missing but have no Idea what "PCI DEVICE"
I am very thankful for any help. egalwo@gmx.net

 

[ama299]

Here is how you fix this.

Microsoft doc Q254914

http://www.serverboss.com/16-bitMS-DOSsubsystem.htm

Thanks Have a nice day