When I start up windows I recieve a message that says , 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 file no longer exists, If you deleted this file on purpose, try unistalling the associated application using its unistall or setup program. I you still want to use the application associated with this device file, try reinstalling that application to replace the missing file.
vsdata95.vxd

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As , and already observed, the original startup complaint is typical of an orphaned 9x “virtual device” left behind by an older utility. Removing the startup pointer will stop the boot warning, but Windows 98 SE can then fall back to generic drivers or lose device associations — which fits the sequence in this thread (mouse trouble, then audio and colour problems). The safest repair path is: restore a known-good registry/configuration, then reinstall proper drivers rather than surgically deleting entries unless a verified backup exists.

Practical checklist (in order):

  • Boot to Safe Mode (F8) and open System → Device Manager to note any yellow icons or missing entries.
  • Restore the built-in Windows 98 registry backup (use the ScanReg restore facility — for example scanreg /restore) to a point before the changes, then reboot.
  • If display is limited to 16 colours, Windows is using the generic VGA driver: reinstall the correct video card driver from the vendor CD or download the Windows 98 driver for that card and install it (Display Properties → Settings → Advanced shows the current driver).
  • For sound errors, confirm a sound device exists under sound controllers, reinstall its driver, and check Control Panel → Multimedia to ensure the correct wave/midi devices are selected. Verify speaker cables and volume control as basic checks.
  • Inspect C:\Windows\System\Vmm32 for leftover VxD files belonging to removed utilities; if a device reference belongs to an app that was removed, the safer fix is to reinstall the original app and run its proper uninstaller so it cleans registry/System.ini references.
  • If multiple subsystems remain unstable, back up all personal data and consider a clean Windows 98 SE reinstall (the fastest reliable fix for extensively corrupted drivers/registry).

Cautions: always back up user files and the registry before editing or removing entries. Deleting the wrong key or system file can make the machine unbootable. Restoring ScanReg or reinstalling drivers is preferable to manual registry surgery unless the editor is experienced.

Recommended Answers

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It's a file left over from removing ZoneAlarm. Try this.
Editing the registry is the fastest method, but you have a lot more potential to cause serious problems. If you decide to proceed, use caution. Deleting the wrong entry can cause applications to fail, your computer to become unstable or not boot at all. You've been warned, be careful! First, click Start, then Run, then type in Regedit and press enter. In Regedit navigate to: HKEY_LOACAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD. Next click on the plus sign to expand it and you will see a long list of VxD's. Locate VSDATA95.VXD and highlight vsdata95.vxd then press the delete key to remove it. Close Regedit and restart your system.

I Wont To Thank You That Helped But Im Still Not Able To Use My Mouse If You Can Could You Please Help Me. Thanks So Much

It would help if you told us the whole story. There was nothing about a mouse not working in your original post. What happened to your PC? When did the mouse stop? Did you try a different mouse? What operating system are you using? How old is the machine? Stuff like that.

My mouse know works fine, but I am not able to play music when I try to play music I recieve the following message{Windows Media Player cannot play the file because there is a problem with your sound device. There may not be a sound device installed on your computer, it may be in use by another program, or it may not be functioning properly.} could someone help me with this problem.Thanks.

As bentkey asked, what OS are you using? If you know how to get to the Device Manager, check to see if there are any devices that are not working properly. If there are, try reinstalling the drivers.

If you are having any other problems, can you please list them all together? Multiple problems could have one central cause. But even if they don't, you get everything fixed quicker. :)

I am using windows 98 second edition.All devices are working properly.My color shows funny it will only let me be in 16 colors when I try to go to a higher colors it wont let me

I'm thinking it might be best for you just to locate your original Windows installation media and do a clean OS reinstall. It sounds like you've got several fun driver conflicts and screw-ups going on in there.

Can you even devise a means to back up your data?

i got critecal eror whati will do?

Can you start a new thread and post your problem. Info we need. What Os you are using? What is your problem? Computer model and brand? Everything in a need thread. Thanks and good luck.

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