OFF97: Mci.vbx/Picclip.vbx Error with Kinko's Compact Disc

• Microsoft Office 97 for Windows, Kinko's Edition

The information in this article applies only to the 90 day trial version of Microsoft Office 97 that is distributed by Kinko's. It does not apply to the retail or upgrade product, Microsoft Office 97 for Windows.

SYMPTOMS

When you insert the compact disc for Microsoft Office 97 for Windows, Kinko's Edition, into your CD-ROM drive, you may receive one of the following error messages:

   SHELL
   The file 'C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MCI.VBX' is out of date. This program
   requires a newer version.

   -or-

   SHELL
   The file 'C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PICCLIP.VBX' is out of date. This program
   requires a newer version.

   SHELL
   Unexpected error; quitting

CAUSE

This problem occurs when an earlier copy of Mci.vbx and/or Picclip.vbx is located in the Windows or Windows\System folder.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, rename all earlier versions of Mci.vbx and Picclip.vbx that are located on the computer. To do this, use the following steps:

1. Restart the computer.

   NOTE: If you do not restart the computer, you may receive one of the following error messages when you attempt to rename Mci.vbx or Picclip.vbx:

         Error Renaming File
         Cannot rename MCI: The specified file is being used by Windows.
   

         Error Renaming File
         Cannot rename Picclip: The specified file is being used by Windows.
   

2. On the Start menu, point to Find, and then click Files Or Folders.

3. In Named box, type "Mci.vbx" (without the quotation marks), click drive C in the Look In list, select the Include Subfolders check box, and then click Find Now.

4. For each copy of Mci.vbx on your computer, repeat the following steps:

         a. Right-click the file and click Rename on the shortcut menu.
   

         b. Type "Oldmci.vbx" (without the quotation marks) and press ENTER.
   

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4, but search for the file "Picclip.vbx". Rename any copies that you find to "Oldclip.vbx".

6. After you rename all the copies of Mci.vbx and Picclip.vbx, close the "Find: All Files" dialog box.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

When you insert the compact disc for Microsoft Office 97 for Windows, Kinko's Edition, into the CD-ROM drive, the AutoRun program on the compact disc is started, and a "Welcome to the Microsoft Office 97 trial program" screen appears. This screen contains instructions for using the software on the compact disc.

Two of the files that are used by the AutoRun program are Mci.vbx and Picclip.vbx. The compact disc contains copies of Mci.vbx and Picclip.vbx that work with AutoRun. However, if earlier copies of Mci.vbx or Picclip.vbx are already located on the computer, the AutoRun program may attempt to use these older files. If this problem occurs, you receive the error messages described in this article.