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hardin

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registry problem- 16 bit Windows Subsystem

When I try to run certain programs, which are apparently 16 bit programs, I get a dialogue that reads: "16 bit Windows subsystem- SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\VirtualDeviceDrivers.  VDD.  Virtual Device Driver format in the registry is invalid.  Cjoose 'Close' to terminate the application."  A 'Close" and an 'Ignore" button are provided.

The registry line referred to appears to be located at:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\VirtualDeviceDrivers

the right pane line referred to is:
(VDD)  REG_MULTI_SZ  C:\Progra~1\Symantec\S32EVNT1.DLL

I have not installed any symantec programs for quite a while.

How to fix?
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stevenlewis

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If the above tip does not help,

I would install te newest VGA and audio drivers for your system.

Get the latest patches thru windowsupdate including sp2

and run
 the SFC using start - run - sfc.

I hope this helps !
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dew_associates
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Thank you all.  I used dew associates #2, did the trick.  An interesting problem, particularly in light of fact that Microsoft acknowledges there is a problem and seems, in the first URL cited by steven lewis above, to accept responsibility for it.

It appears that Norton antivirus may cause the problem again when virus definitions are next updated, or maybe only when program is updated.  So I copied the file SEVINST.EXE to my desktop.  If I need it again it will be handy.  

Thanks again.  I've been visiting experts exchange with a variety of problems for I think about 2 years now, hasn't failed me yet.
Glad I could help!

Dennis
I had the same problem.  Solution #3, deleting the key worked for me.  I worry, though, about what effect this will have on NAV, since the DLL reference is now missing.