Err Msg: The Microsoft Windows 32-Bit Disk Driver (WDCTRL)...

 Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q84937
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

If you run Windows version 3.1 in 386 enhanced mode with the 32-bit disk access feature enabled, the following error message may appear: 

   The Microsoft Windows 32-bit disk driver (WDCTRL) will not be
   loaded because WDCTRLDISABLE=Y is set in this machine's
   environment. Remove this environment string and the 32-bit disk
   driver will load normally.

   To continue starting Windows without using the 32-bit disk
   driver, press any key.

CAUSE

This error message occurs when there is an environment variable called WDCTRLDISABLE being set at the MS-DOS level before Windows is started.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, use the MS-DOS SET command to check for the existence of WDCTRLDISABLE, and if it exists, type the following at the MS-DOS command prompt to clear it: 

   SET WDCTRLDISABLE=
If necessary, edit the AUTOEXEC.BAT file in a text editor such as Notepad or the MS-DOS Editor to remove the WDCTRLDISABLE=Y setting.

KBCategory: kbenv kberrmsg
KBSubcategory: win31
Additional reference words: err msg WIN386.EXE

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Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
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