Can't load com specified in the WIN.INI file?

When I boot up I receive the following two messages:

Cannot find the file 'COM' (or one of it's components). Make sure the path and filename

are correct and that all required libraries are correct.

Could not load or run 'COM' specified in the WIN.INI file. Make sure the file exists on

your computer or remove the reference to it in the WIN.INI file.

What does all this mean?

Thanks,

David

This question was answered on April 22, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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A file can't be found: A driver or progam is configured to load when Windows starts, but the file is either corrupt or missing Usually this means that you need to reinstall the driver or application, or remove the reference (if the respective device or application has been removed)

A driver won't load: This could either be that the driver is corrupted, or the device which the driver controls isn't functioning properly

Virus: Viruses can cause this type of problem, and malfunctioning viruses can as well! Scan your system with updated anti-virus software

The following are places that files or drivers can be specified to load when Windows starts Often simply removing the reference to the file solves the problem - at the very least, locating the driver will help determine the culprit

Look in your Startup folder (usually found in your Start Menu folder) for outdated or unwanted shortcuts

Older programs might still install themselves in your WIN.INI file (on the same line that starts with "LOAD=") Use Notepad to edit this file (Windows 95, 98, and Me only)

Search your Registry for the filename; try looking in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Run for a place to start

About the author

Posted by Student of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on April 22, 2004

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