Article ID: 258471 - Last Review: January 27, 2007 - Revision: 1.2

Error Message: The Following File Is Missing or Corrupted: C:\Windows\Ifshlp.sys

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SYMPTOMS

When you restart your computer, you may receive one of the following error messages:
The following file is missing or corrupted: C:\Windows\Ifshlp.sys

The following file is missing or corrupted: C:\Windows\System\Vmm32.vxd
Type the name of the Windows loader (e.g., C:\Windows\System\Vmm32.vxd

While initializing device IFSMGR
The Microsoft Installable File System Manager cannot find the helper driver.
Please ensure that IFSHLP.SYS has been installed. System halted.

The following file is missing or corrupted: C:\Windows\System\Imagehlp.dll
When you receive any of these error messages, you must reboot your computer.
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CAUSE

These error messages can occur for the following reasons:
  • An incorrect WinBootDir entry in the Msdos.sys file.
  • A missing or corrupted Ifshlp.sys file.
  • A missing or corrupted Vmm32.vxd file.
  • A missing or corrupted Imagehlp.dll file.
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RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, restart the computer with a Windows Millennium Edition Startup disk, and then perform each step until the problem is resolved:
  1. Modify the WinBootDir entry in the Msdos.sys file to point to the correct location of the Windows folder.
  2. Extract a new copy of the Ifshlp.sys file to the Windows folder and extract a new copy of the Imagehlp.dll file to the Windows\System folder.For additional information about extracting files, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
    129605  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/129605/EN-US/ ) How to Extract Original Compressed Windows Files
  3. If you determine that the Vmm32.vxd file is missing or corrupt, you must rename the file to Vmm32.old in the C:\Windows\System folder, and then reinstall Windows Millennium Edition to re-create this file.
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
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Retired KB ArticleRetired KB Content Disclaimer
This article was written about products for which Microsoft no longer offers support. Therefore, this article is offered "as is" and will no longer be updated.
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