Windows 95 Hangs at Boot with 386Max and More Than 16 MB RAM

 Last reviewed: August 28, 1995
Article ID: Q131214
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

Windows 95 may stop responding (hang) when you start it on a computer with more than 16 megabytes (MB) of memory.

CAUSE

This problem can occur if 386Max, a memory manager published by Qualitas, Inc., is installed on the computer. The way this memory manager handles more than 16 MB of memory is incompatible with Windows 95.

RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, remove 386Max and use the Microsoft XMS memory manager (HIMEM.SYS) instead. To do so, use any text editor to edit the CONFIG.SYS file. Remove or remark out any reference to 386MAX and then add the following line as the first line in the file: 

   device=c:\windows\himem.sys
Save and then close the CONFIG.SYS file, and then restart your computer.

For additional information about removing 386Max, please refer to that program's documentation or manufacturer.

MORE INFORMATION

The third-party product discussed in this article is manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

KBCategory: kb3rdparty
KBSubcategory: wpp95 win95 appscomp diskmem
Additional reference words: 95

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Last reviewed: August 28, 1995
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