Troubleshooting Application Exception Error in File Manager

 Last reviewed: August 21, 1995
Article ID: Q135290
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5 and 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5 and 3.51

SYMPTOMS

The following error message appears when you start File Manager: 

   Application Exception Occurred: App:EXE/WINFILE.DBG [PID+135] <time>
   <date> Exception # C0000005 [Access Violation]

CAUSE

WINFILE.EXE is either corrupt or there is a corrupt registry entry. To determine if the registry is corrupt:

  1. Log off Windows NT.

  2. Log on as another user.

  3. Run File Manager.

If file manager starts without an error, the problem may be caused by a corrupt registry.

RESOLUTION

To correct a corrupt registry entry:

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

  1. Run Registry Editor (REGEDT32.EXE).

  2. From the HKEY_CURRENT_USER subtree, go to the following key: 

          \Software\Microsoft\File Manager.

  3. Delete the Settings key.

  4. Restart File Manager. It will now run with the default settings.

If the above procedure does not correct the problem, use the following steps to troubleshoot for corrupt files:

  1. Run Chkdsk /f

  2. Use the Emergency Repair Disk to verify System files.

  3. Rename the existing WINFILE.EXE and expand a new copy from original setup media.

NOTE: If any Service Packs have been applied to system, you need to reapplied them if you run the Emergency Repair Disk against System Files or replace files using the original setup media as the source.

KBCategory: kbtshoot
KBSubcategory: nthowto
Additional reference words: 3.50 3.51 prodnt logoff logon

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Last reviewed: August 21, 1995
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