PC Tools Drivers May Cause Windows to Stop Responding (Hang)

Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q92937
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

After you install PC Tools for MS-DOS, your mouse and/or keyboard behave erratically in Microsoft Windows, or Windows stops responding (hangs) after the logo screen is displayed.

CAUSE

During installation, PC Tools for MS-DOS, version 7.0, 7.1, or 8.0, may make the following changes to the [boot] section of the SYSTEM.INI file:

   mouse.drv=C:\PCTOOLS\SYSTEM\COMMMOU.DRV
   keyboard.drv=C:\PCTOOLS\SYSTEM\COMMKBD.DRV
   display.drv=C:\PCTOOLS\SYSTEM\COMMDIS.DRV  (version 8.0 only)
   cpdisplay.drv=<original display driver>

NOTE: The paths to these files may vary.

The entry for <original display driver> is the driver filename for the active display drive as shown in Windows Setup.

These modifications can change mouse and/or keyboard behavior in Windows, or cause Windows to hang.

WORKAROUND

To work around these problems, deactivate (comment) the lines shown above by inserting a semicolon (;) at the beginning of each line. Then, add the following lines to the [boot] section of the SYSTEM.INI file:

   mouse.drv=MOUSE.DRV
   keyboard.drv=KEYBOARD.DRV
   display.drv=<original display driver>

These are the standard settings for the Microsoft mouse, enhanced 101- or 102-key keyboard, and current display driver. If you are using a different mouse, or keyboard, run Setup to reinstall the appropriate driver(s).

NOTE: This workaround disables the PC Tools Commute application.

PC Tools for MS-DOS is manufactured by Central Point Software, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.


KBCategory: kb3rdparty kbdisplay
KBSubcategory: win30 win31
Additional reference words: 3.10 commute 8.00 8.0 PCTOOLS


THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.