Error Messages When Accessing CD-ROM Drive in Windows

ID: Q139428


The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95


SYMPTOMS

When you try to access your CD-ROM drive in Windows, you may experience one of the following symptoms:

  • You cannot run executable (.exe) files.


  • You cannot view complete directory listings.


  • You receive the error message "Device not found."



CAUSE

These problems can occur if you are using an older version of the Mscdex.exe file that is not compatible with Windows 95 or Windows 98.

When you install certain real-mode CD-ROM drivers, an older version of the Mscdex.exe file is copied to the hard disk, and the Autoexec.bat file is updated to point to this older version of the Mscdex.exe file.


RESOLUTION

Modify the Autoexec.bat file to reference the correct version of the Mscdex.exe file. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Make a backup copy of the Autoexec.bat file.


  2. Use any text editor (such as Notepad) to open the Autoexec.bat file.


  3. Modify the line containing Mscdex.exe to read
    
          <drive>:\<windows>\command\mscdex.exe <parameters>
       
    where <drive> is the drive letter on which the Windows folder is located, <windows> is the name of the folder in which Windows is installed, and <parameters> are the parameters from the original line containing Mscdex.exe.

    NOTE: To maintain compatibility with the installed CD-ROM driver, make sure to use all the parameters exactly as they are used in the original line.


  4. Save and then close the Autoexec.bat file.


  5. Restart your computer.


Keywords : kberrmsg kbhw win95 windrvr win98 cddrive
Version : 95
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb


Last Reviewed: March 3, 1999
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