Startup Error

Hi, this is my second little problem of about 10 that I need to deal with.
During startup my screen goes black with a white text telling me that Windows registry or SYSTEM.INI file is looking for a device file that no longer exists. I think this occured during a crash caused by Norton Antivirus and Kazaa having an argument. It is more annoying than a serious problem because by pushing any key startup continues. But I would like to know how to deal with it.
Thanks, Steve

 

It could help if we knew what file is supposedly missing, and whether it's SYSTEM.INI or the Registry that is looking for it.

What's the exact text of the error message?

Is there a reference to the missing file in SYSTEM.INI?
(SYSTEM.INI is a text file, so just open it in NotePad and look for the file identified in the error message. Be sure you don't change SYSTEM.INI. Cancel out when you close Notepad, don't "OK" anything -- just to be sure.)

If there is a reference to the missing file in SYSTEM.INI, what is the text of the line in SYSTEM.INI in which the missing filename appears?

 

Ok, sorry for only posting half the info required,

There are actually 4 error messages that come up one after the other.

first message, black screen:
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 device file no longer exists. If you deleted this file on purpose,try uninstalling the associated application using its uninstall or startup program. If you still want to use the application with this device file, try reinstalling that application to replace the missing file.
ptvcd.vxd
Press any key to continue.

I checked in the SYSTEM.INI but could not find any reference to this file!

Second message appears in usual MS error box:
Cannot find the file 'cmmpu.exe' (or one of its components). Make sure the the path and filename are correct and that all required libraries are available.

Pressing OK allows me to continue

Third message appears in usual MS error box:
Could not load or run 'cmmpu.exe' specified in the WIN.INI file. Make sure the file exists on your computer or remove the reference to it in the WIN.INI file.

Pressing OK allows me to continue

Fourth Message appears in usual MS error box:
ERROR STARTING PROGRAM
A required .DLL file, SYMSTORC.DLL was not found.

Pressing OK allows me to continue and finish startup.

Hope you can help,
Thanks and regards,
Ozdog.

 

Ozdog, do a google search for info on the missing files. This will usually tell you where you can get fresh copies. Everything I have read about Kazaa tells me this is a "no no" program to install on one's PC. Full of nasties apparently.

Are you running a firewall, like Zone Alarm? Is your NAV up to date. Most MG'ers recommend ditching NAV and installing AVG or Avast. Both are free, don't hog resources, etc.

Try on line scanning for viruses and trojans. Let us know, Bazza

 

Hi, thanks for info, google search has showed some promise, I am away for a few days, so will attend to this when I get back.

Cheers,
Ozdog