Error Message Indicating That Ccw32.vxd Is Missing When You Start Windows (309458)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q309458
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you start Windows, you may receive the following error message:
Cannot find a device file that may be needed to run Windows or a Windows application.

The Windows registry or SYSTEM.INI file refers to this device file, but the device file no longer exists.

If you deleted this file on purpose, try uninstalling the associated application using its uninstall program or setup program.

If you still want to use the application associated with this device file, try reinstalling that application to replace the missing file.

c:\progra~1\carbon~1\ccw32.vxd

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if your Carbon Copy 32 (ccw32.vxd) installation is damaged.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, reinstall Carbon Copy 32.

To work around this issue, remove the reference to the ccw32.vxd file from the Windows registry. To do this, follow these steps.

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
  3. In Registry Editor, expand the following registry subkey:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\CarbonCopy32

  4. On the Registry menu, click Export Registry File.
  5. In the File name box, type CarbonCopy32, and then click Save.
  6. On the Edit menu, click Delete.
  7. On the Confirm Key Delete message that appears, click Yes.
  8. Quit Registry Editor.
  9. Restart the computer.

MORE INFORMATION

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.

For additional information about troubleshooting Windows startup problems, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

188867 Troubleshooting Windows 98 Startup Problems

132008 Error Message: Cannot Find a Device File That May Be Needed to Run Windows

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/20/2004
Keywords:kb3rdparty kberrmsg kbprb KB309458
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.