Error Message: Error Loading. You Must Reinstall Windows.

 Last reviewed: August 5, 1997
Article ID: Q172378
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you start your computer, you may receive the following error message: 

   Error loading. You must reinstall Windows.

CAUSE

This error message can occur if the "shell=" line in the System.ini file is missing the reference to the Explorer.exe file.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Use any text editor (such as Notepad) to open the System.ini file in the Windows folder.

  2. Modify the "shell=" line so that it reads: 

          shell=explorer.exe

  3. Save and then close the System.ini file, and then restart Windows 95.

Additional query words: 95
Keywords : win95 kbenv kberrmsg
Version : WINDOWS:95
Platform : WINDOWS
Hardware : x86

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: August 5, 1997
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.