Cannot Start OSR2 After Installing Retail Windows 95

 Last reviewed: February 24, 1997
Article ID: Q162608
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 95
  • Microsoft Windows 95 OEM Service Release versions 2, 2.1

SYMPTOMS

If you install the retail version of Windows 95 (version 950) on a computer that already has Windows 95 OEM Service Release 2 (OSR2) installed, Windows 95 may not start.

CAUSE

The core components of the retail version of Windows 95 and OSR2 are not compatible.

RESOLUTION

Reinstall OSR2 from a command prompt into the current Windows folder or into an empty folder. Note that if you reinstall OSR2 into an empty folder, you will have to reinstall all your programs.

MORE INFORMATION

When you reinstall OSR2, use the OSR2 CD-ROM provided by your original equipment manufacturer (OEM). If you do not have an OSR2 CD-ROM, your OEM may have provided a flat folder on your hard disk with files to install OSR2. To locate this folder, type the following command at a command prompt: 

   dir *.cab /s
To reinstall OSR2, run Setup.exe from the folder containing the cabinet (.cab) files.

Contact your OEM for assistance if:

  • You do not have an OSR2 CD-ROM and you cannot locate a folder with the cabinet files.
  • You cannot locate the Setup.exe file in the folder that contains the cabinet files.

If you try to install the retail version of Windows 95 from the Windows 95 CD-ROM on a computer with OSR2 installed and the Auto Insert Notification option enabled, the Add/Remove Software option on the Autorun menu is disabled, and you receive the following warning: 

   This CD-ROM is from an older version of Windows than the one you are
   presently using. Setup functionality from this disk will be disabled.
A warning does not appear if:
  • The Auto Insert Notification option is disabled, and you are installing from a CD-ROM.
  • You choose to browse the CD-ROM.

KBCategory: kbenv
KBSubcategory: win95 osr2
Additional reference words: 95

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: February 24, 1997
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.