Err Msg: An Error Occurred Trying to Initialize Video Adapter

 Last reviewed: September 13, 1995
Article ID: Q117358
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

As Windows 95 is loading, you receive the following error message: 

   An error occurred while trying to initialize the video adapter.
   Press any key to continue.
Pressing a key has no effect; however, CTRL+ALT+DEL does reboot the system.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if you are using an incompatible or incorrect Windows 3.1 video driver.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, change your video driver back to the default Windows 95 VGA setting. To do this, first restart your computer and press the F5 key when the "Starting Windows" message appears on your screen. This allows you to bypass your startup files and start Windows 95 in Safe mode.

To change your video driver back to VGA:

  1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, then click Control Panel.

  2. Double-click the Display icon.

    NOTE: You can skip steps 1 and 2 if you click the desktop with the right (secondary) mouse button and then click Properties.

  3. Click the Settings tab.

  4. Click the Change Display Type button, then click the Change button for
the Adapter Type.

  1. Click Standard Graphics Adapter (VGA), then click OK. When asked whether
to use the current driver or a new driver, click Current.

MORE INFORMATION

If you want to use a high-resolution video driver with Windows 95, consult your video adapter manufacturer for the proper driver to use.

KBCategory: kbdisplay kberrmsg kbprb kbgraphic
KBSubcategory: wpp95 win95
Additional reference words: 95 err msg stealth viper fail-safe safe
mode

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Last reviewed: September 13, 1995
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