PCTech Forums

Tried to install Windows 98SE on an older system. When booting up, got a message that the C:\Windows\system\vmn32.vxd file could not be located. The boot process stopped at that point.

WHAT IS THIS FILE? What is it for? Where can I download a copy?

I beg to differ with Gecko on this one, only if this is a new install. His suggestion would work on a boot up error after the O/S is in place.

I would check the cdrom drive, it could be flaky eoough to cause the problem. Check the cd--make sure its clean and hold it up to the light and check for scraches that are in the painted surface.

Some of the real old cdroms have some issues with cd 's--try swapping out the cdrom.

you might also try formating the drive first. 98 is pretty good at spotting bad sectors before the install, but you can never be sure.

Thanks for the replies. Because of virus infection, I had to FDISK this unit. Tried to go to Windows 2000 but video card would not support it and I did not have access to a replacement. So decided to go back to 98SE. Guess that would make this a new install and I should use the first suggestion?

Not sure I fully understand the steps listed in the first reply. Where do I type the first lines? On the same page as the 98 start menu? Could you please give me a little more info? Thanks

Not too sure where you are right now:
So this is a clean install of windows 98 or this will be a clean install of windows 98?

If it were my system I would format the drive first as icecube suggested,
then do a clean install of windows 98se.

I had this problem before. If you do a clean install and you get the vxd, vxm,vcd error wait till the system boots. Go to Control Panel> Networks and remove "Client for Microsoft Network", reboot the machine, go to Contol Panel> Networks and put Client for Microsoft Network back in. That usually fixes it.

Also change the box below from Microsoft Logon to Windows Logon

Examining your last post,

"Tried to go to Windows 2000 but video card would not support it"

That would explain the vx? errors. Your video card might be bad. I've never had Windows 2000 complain about the video card I put in it. In most of my servers, I use the oldest and most worthless video card I have. After its up and running, I pull the keyboard mouse and monitor.

An 8 meg pci video card shouldn't set you back more than $10 :

When you guys talk about formating the hard drive, are you talking about the format step
at beginning of 98SE installation program or something else?

As for doing something after the system boots up, it doesn't go any farther than the error message I mentioned in the first posting.

Do video cards go bad all at once? No problems until I tried to up grade system to Windows 2000....

When I tried to go from 2000 back to 98SE, I did fdisk hard drive before attempting the
installation....

Video cards do go bad, but with an existing system, the problem might not be that evident. When you reinstall the O/S the system interogates the card and this is where it is failing. VX? errors are associated with drivers

There is one other check. Take off the cover to the tower and see if the video card is completely seated--unlplug the power cord before you do this. Some of the cheaper cases, the video card will walk out of the slot if you move the unit around. This is really a long shot, because most systems won't post if the card has risen up out of the slot.

Card seemed pretty secure on the board.

Will changing the card eliminate the problem?

What are the steps I need to take? Do I load drivers first and than change cards? Never changed video card before.

Changing out a video card isn't hard. Disconnect the power. open up the case. from the back where the monitor plugs in, trace to that card.

There is usually one screw on the top of the card closest to the chassie. Remove that and the card should pull right out.

The slot the card is pulled from will have a color Brown for an AGP card, white for a PCI card and black, (I hope not) for an ISA card. Take the card to your cheepie discout computer store and ask for a replacement. Take it home and put it in.

If its and ISA card (black slot on motherboard) I'll have to mail you one.

If your going to do a new install Windows 2000 as you started to do, it will load up ok and after the system is running, just follow the directions that came with the video cardfor updateing the video drivers.

you might want to splurg a bit and buy a 32 or 64 meg video card ($35) Check the store policy on returns also-- if that doesn't solve your problem, most stores will allow you to return a card within 7 -15 days for a refund--some charge a restocking fee of 10%

Thanks for the advice and instructions. Unfortunately, there are no 'cut-rate' PC parts stores around here. Living in a rural area does have it's drawbacks..... When I can get another card, I'll install it per your instructions and see what happens.

Please keep an eye on this site if case I run into problems.

Again, Thanks.... :-)