Reference number: CH000021

Win.com errors.

Issue:

Win.com errors.

Cause:

Win.com errors can be caused by:

1. Win.com is missing or corrupt.
2. Win.com is to large to fit into memory.
3. Computer has computer virus.

Solution:

The win.com file is missing or corrupt

It is possible that the win.com is missing or is corrupt. To resolve this issue, attempt to load the file manually by following the below instructions.

1. Boot the computer to a MS-DOS prompt. Information on how to do this can be found on document CHDOS.

2. At the MS-DOS prompt, type:
   
   cd\windows <press enter>
   dir win.com <press enter>
   
   This should list the win.com file. If you receive an error message "File not found", skip to the next section. If, however, the file is listed, ensure that the file matches the below size according to your operating system.
   
   Windows 98 = 24,791 bytes
   Windows 95 OSR2 = 24,503 bytes
   Windows 95 = 22,679 bytes
   
   If the file size does not match, see the below paragraph for information on how to extract the file and recreate the win.com file.

To create a new win.com, follow the below instructions. These steps will require that you have either the Windows cabinets locally or have access to recover them from the Windows CD-ROM.

1. The file win.cnf must be extracted from a windows cabinet file. Below is a listing of where this file is on each of the Windows CD's as well as Windows 95 diskette:
   
   Windows 95 floppy disk #3
   Win95_03.cab of the original Windows 95 CD-ROM
   Win98_28.cab of the original Windows 98 CD-ROM
   Win98_25.cab of the Windows 98SE CD-ROM
   

2. Once the correct diskette or cabinet has been located please see document CH000363 for additional information about the extract command and how to use it to extract the win.cnf to the C:\Windows directory.

3. Once win.cnf has been extracted do the below steps at the MS-DOS prompt.
   
   In the Windows directory where win.cnf and win.com are located, type:
   
   ren c:\windows\win.com c:\windows\win.ch <press enter>
   ren c:\windows\win.cnf c:\windows\win.com <press enter>

Computer has computer virus

If the above solution does not resolve your issue it is possible that the computer may have a computer virus. To resolve this issue we recommend that you format and/or reinstall Windows. Additional information about how to do this can be found on document CH000186.