Windows uses a compression technique to theoretically
speed up Windows load time, which combines many system VXD's into one
monolithic VXD file named VMM32.VXD. Linux users should be familiar with
such a concept. However, theory and the real world have been proven not to
work 100% of the time, at least in Microsoft's case.
If Windows98 displays any of the following symptoms, we
might have the solution for you:
- System instability
- BSOD's (Blue Screen Of Death)
- Mouse lockups
- Problems during Shut Down
- Screen suddenly freezes, ALT+CTRL+DEL will not recover.
The solution is rather easy. Download the VXD Fix
file and upgrade your system. It is important to note here that not ALL Fatal Exceptions will cease in all cases. However, in almost all cases where users where getting Fatal Exceptions related to VXD's the situation is corrected immediately, and does not continue or return later. Fatal Exceptions that contain
errors not related to VXD files may continue to haunt you, and in fact might get worse, although not through any action of the VXD_FIX.BAT file, but rather because the problem that is causing the
fatal exception in the first place, if un-corrected may deteriorate system stability
even further.
Windows95
version
Click Here
Q: How do I use this file?
A: Simply download the zip file and unzip the enclosed
executable file: VXD.BAT (note that the instructions are also in the
zip file in a readme file).
Then, insert your Install CD Rom disk into the drive.
Now, click on Start - Run and find the VXD.BAT file on your
hard drive. Run this file. It will ask you the drive letter of
your CD Rom drive. Type this in and allow it to update Windows. *Note:
you cannot update your system from cab files on your hard drive. This
requires your Windows Installation CD.
Q:
How do I know if my system needs the VXD files?
A: In my opinion, and many other
users, every Windows 9x based computer would benefit from over riding the
default VMM32.VXD file.
If you would like to check which VXD's are incorporated into your
vmm32.vxd:
Right Click MY COMPUTER and select PROPERTIES.
Click on the DEVICE MANAGER tab.
Double click your VIDEO DISPLAY ADAPTER.
Double click the listed device.
Click the DRIVER tab.
Click the DRIVER FILE DETAILS button.
If you see ANY thing listed in (parenthesis) your system is using that
file within the compressed monolithic driver: vmm32.vxd
You may continue to explore exactly which vxd's your system has
incorporated into the vmm32.vxd file by checking the driver details of all
items listed in your Device Manager. Additionally, you can open the registry if you are interested in looking at
ALL the files that make up your system's vmm32.vxd file. However I do NOT
recommend anyone who isn't sure of what they are looking at to even open the
registry, and even if you DO know how to peruse the registry do not attempt
to make ANY changes to the the vmm32.vxd file from within the registry, or
you will find yourself having to re-install Windows, unless you are able to
restore your registry when you next boot up.
