Windows Err Msg: Missing / Unable to Load

• Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11
• Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

The following error message may be displayed when you try to start Microsoft Windows or Windows for Workgroups in 386 enhanced mode:

   : Missing / Unable to Load

CAUSE

This error message may be caused by an outdated or corrupt version of the WIN386.EXE file on the system.

WORKAROUND

Cause 1: Duplicate or Outdated Copy of WIN386.EXE

The most common cause of this error message is the presence of the Windows 3.0 version of WIN386.EXE file in the Windows directory. Windows finds this file instead of the correct (3.1) version of the file located in the Windows \SYSTEM directory.

To correct this problem, delete or rename the outdated file.

Search the hard drive for all copies of WIN386.EXE present. If your machine is running Microsoft MS-DOS version 5.0 or later, you can use the DIR command with the /S switch from the root directory of each drive by typing the following:

   CD\ <ENTER>
   DIR WIN386.EXE /S

Cause 2: Corrupt WIN386.EXE

The WIN386.EXE file should have the same date as the rest of the Windows .EXE files, such as WRITE.EXE. The date may vary depending on OEM versions of Windows, but all .EXE files should match. It is also possible that the file has the correct date but is still corrupt. If there is only one copy of WIN386.EXE on the hard drive, rename the file and use the EXPAND.EXE utility to expand it from the original Windows disks, as follows:

   EXPAND A:\WIN386.EX_ C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WIN386.EXE