"Cannot Write to Device Aux" Error When Using Norton's Sleeper

 Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q94032
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

You may receive the following error message when attempting to run either MS-DOS Prompt or an MS-DOS-based application in Windows 386 enhanced mode while the Norton Desktop for Windows screen saver Sleeper is activated: 

   Cannot write to device aux
This error can occur with either NDW.EXE or PROGMAN.EXE as the shell.

CAUSE

According to Symantec, this problem is caused by a problem in Sleeper.

This problem can also be caused by a bad sound driver in the [drivers] section of the SYSTEM.INI file. If the driver identified in the "Aux=<filename>" line is bad or not in the path, this message may be displayed when Windows 3.1 is booted.

WORKAROUNDS

A patch is available on Symantec's BBS that corrects the problem with the Sleeper screen saver. This patch (COMPAT.EXE) allows Sleeper to work with Windows in 386 enhanced mode. For additional information, contact Symantec Technical Support.

If the problem is caused by a bad sound driver, use Windows Control Panel to remove the driver from the installed drivers section.

Norton Desktop for Windows is manufactured by Symantec Corporation, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

KBCategory: kb3rdparty kbsound kbprb kberrmsg
KBSubcategory: win31
Additional reference words: 3.10 err msg auxiliary

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Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
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