This Microsoft Knowledge Base article may be of help:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=166832
Err Msg: Cannot Find a Device File That May Be Needed to Run...

By the way, why did you put a question on Windows 98 in the Windows Millenium Edition topic area, rather than the Windows 98 topic area?

sorry i was at work when i posted the question, didn't realize i put a windows 98 question in the windows ME question area

Tedsky, i had already suspected it was something to do with the network card, i am sure you must be right. I am actually asking this question for a call i got in my role as gateway tech support that kind of stumped me. The customer did have a cable modem and his gateway computer has a network card that his provider put in. From what you said and from the things i already know, i am positive your answer is correct. Great fix man, i am going to submit it at work and post it so other gateway techs can try it when they come across that problem.

I can't wait to test this out when i get to work tomorrow, i'm accepting it now though because i know this is correct, the only thing the customer has done since reloading his system is try to get his cable modem service up and running. thank you!

Greetings!

Figures that a cable modem installer (moi) would know what gives here <grin>.

Wish I had a dollar for every time I saw these files stop the startup:

 VNETBIOS.VXD
 VNETSUP.VXD
 VREDIR.VXD
 DFS.VXD
 MSNP32.DLL

Keep this solution in your back pocket <smile>.

Hope when you get around to implementation, this works!Ted, the Modem Mixer

Hello all,

I do agree that this is a problem dealing with Dial Up Networking and possibly a problem after installing a network card.

The safest and easiest solution for this issue is to remove Dial Up Networking (DUN) and then reinstall it.

On all OS's except Windows 2000 and Windows XP, you can do this by going to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs > click on the Windows Setup tab > click and highlight Communications > click the Details button below > then uncheck Dial Up Networking, Dial Up Server, Direct Cable connection, and Virtual Private Networking.  If only Dial Up Networking is checked then don't worry about the others. > Click OK > then click Apply > then click yes to restart your computer. Once it's restarted and back up in windows > Find the Operating System cd that came with your computer > sometimes it will have the name of the OS on it or it'll just say Operating System backup on it. After you put that in, close any window that comes up, if any windows do come up; then go back to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs > click the Windows Setup tab > click and highlight communications > click the details button > then check off Dial Up Networking, Dial Up Server, Direct Cable Connection, and Virtual Private Networking > Click Ok > then click apply > it will reinstall all those utilities then ask you to restart the computer > REMOVE the OS cd > then click ok to restart.  The errors will be gone and everything else will be working fine.

Long story, but I wanted people to have step by step instructions just incase they want to print it off and us it for their issue.

Sincerely,

Jerry C.
DarkIce

Tedsky,

You can get rid of the error message by using regedit, but you will have problems later on with the operation of IE and Windows if you do it that way. You forgot to mention to people that editing the registry can cause some serious problems.

I mean no disrespect to you when posting this. I'm sure you are very knowledgable at your job but deleting the keys from the registry is cosmetic fix to a potentially serious issue.

Friendly advice from one professional to another,

Jerry C.
DarkIce

LeeTutor,

Great Answer man, just checked the link and found out I just typed the same thing that you posted as a Microsoft KB Article.  Keep up the good work

Jerry C.
DarkIce

DarkIce,
You're absolutely right - who knows who could have been reading this, then applied the registry changes, only to find that they'd inadvertently deletd the wrong key.
Disastrous.
Had it been anyone other than an Expert (I usually check BIOSes before responding, btw), there would surely have been a disclaimer attached from me, suggesting exactly what you've warned against.  Thanks for keeping me focused!
As far as causing problems for IE use down the road, i've been doing this same fix for almost 3 years now, and have yet to have a client clal me to say they were having problems related to "the fix".
Rather I get calls from them claiming slow startups and/or non-shutdowns.
By now most everyone on here knows my particular penchant for looking to spyware as the major cause of such slowdowns and problems starting up and shutting down.
Keep in touch!
Ted

Tedsky,
It's no problem.  Everyone needs a reminder about things.  There are alot of things that I need a reminder on when it comes to computers.  It's easy to forget that you might be dealing with novices when you're talking on a web board.  No harm done.

I apologize for saying about problems with IE down the road.  I had a call fresh on my mind dealing with the same issue, except when the customer tried to open IE they would get an illegal operation error everytime.  It was really strange because I've never seen something happen like that with IE over DUN.  I uninstalled and reinstalled DUN and, viola, it started working.

I don't know much about networking and cable modems, but you understand the run around that happens with computer companies (i.e. Cable Co., Computer Manufacturers, Dialup ISP's and the like).  No offense to you, and you problem understand the feeling, I've had some customers call back after a cable guy installed their equipment on thier pc.  I'm sure you've had to deal with some tech support screwups also.  Again, no offense.

A little other non related info.  Tedsky, if you are the type that is really into computers, I just finished building mine about 3 or 4 weeks ago.  It's beauty.  If I ever get a chance, I'll get some pictures made and post it on my website and post the website here to let you see it.  I'm running the Asus Nforce2 A7N8X mbd and an Athlon XP 2000.  Graphics isn't that great, 32MB Radeon 7000.  3d Mark 2001 SE benchmarked it at 2841 marks.

Anyways, I've got to get going.  I've got to try to get some sleep tonight so I won't feel like crap at work.

Jerry C.
DarkIce.

Just post to me at either BIO Email addies - that works ;)