Error Message: Error Loading. You Must Reinstall Windows.

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This article was previously published under Q172378

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SYMPTOMS

When you start your computer, you may receive the following error message:

Error loading. You must reinstall Windows.

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CAUSE

This error message can occur if the "shell=" line in the System.ini file is missing the reference to the Explorer.exe file.

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RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

Use any text editor (such as Notepad) to open the System.ini file in the Windows folder.
Modify the "shell=" line so that it reads:
shell=explorer.exe
Save and then close the System.ini file, and then restart Windows 95.

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APPLIES TO

Microsoft Windows 95

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kbenv kberrmsg KB172378

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Retired 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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