Error Message Starting WMS in Windows 98 Second Edition

When you start Windows Messaging, you may receive the following error message:

This behavior can occur if you install the Windows Messaging client in a "clean" installation of Windows 98 Second Edition. The Windows Messaging client (Wms.exe) has not been changed since Microsoft Windows 95 was released and needs to use the WMS version of the Mapi32.dll file.

A "clean" installation of Windows means either installing Windows on a blank hard disk, or installing Windows in a folder other than the folder in which an existing version of Windows is installed.

To resolve this issue:

1. Restart your computer to ensure that the Windows Messaging program is no longer in memory.
2. Rename the Mapi32.dll file in the Windows\System folder to Mapi32.lld. For information about renaming files, click Start, click Help, click the Index tab, type renaming, and then double-click the "Renaming Files" topic.
3. Reinstall the Windows Messaging client from the Tools\Oldwin95\Message\Us folder on the Windows 98 Second Edition CD-ROM.
4. Restart your computer.

NOTE: This procedure is intended for use with the Windows Messaging client. If you have another program that replaces the Mapi32.dll file or requires a different version, you may experience issues with the program or with WMS. If Mapi32.dll issues occur, please refer to the program's manufacturer for information about obtaining the correct Mapi32.dll file to resolve the issue.