Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Protection errors
Windows protection error message occurs when a computer attempts to load
or unload a virtual device driver (VxD). This error message is a way to let you
know that there is a problem with the device driver. In many cases, the VxD
that did not load or unload is mentioned in the error message. In other cases,
you may not be able to determine the VxD that caused the behaviour; however,
you should be able to find the cause of the error message if you use clean boot
troubleshooting.
Windows
Protection
error
messages
can
occur
in
any
of
the
following
situations:
•
If a real-mode driver and a protected-mode driver are in conflict.
•
If the registry is damaged.
•
If either or both the Win.com file or the Command.com file are infected with
a virus, or if either of the files has become corrupted or damaged.
•
If a protected-mode driver is loaded from the System.ini file and the driver
is already initialized.
•
If there is a physical input/output (I/O) address conflict or a random access
memory (RAM) address conflict.
•
If there are incorrect Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)
settings for a built-in peripheral device (such as cache settings, CPU timing,
hard disks, and so on).
•
If the Plug and Play feature of the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) on the
computer is not working correctly.
•
If the computer contains a malfunctioning cache or malfunctioning memory.
•
If the motherboard on the computer is not working properly.
When you start Windows, you may receive one of the following error messages:
While initializing device [device name] Windows Protection Error
or, the even more succinct (and somewhat less helpful) message:
Windows Protection Error
The
following
procedure
is
recommended
when
investigating
Windows
Protection errors:
1
First enter Safe mode, as follows:
•
For Windows 95, restart your computer, press F8 when you see the
'Starting Windows 95' message, and then choose Safe Mode.
•
For Windows 98 (and Windows 98 Second Edition), restart the computer,
press and hold down the CTRL key until you see the Windows 98 Startup
menu, and then choose Safe Mode.
•
For Windows Millennium Edition (ME), press and hold down the CTRL
key while you restart the computer, and then choose Safe Mode on the
Windows ME Startup menu.
2
If you do not receive the error message when you start the computer in Safe
mode (or when you shut down the computer from Safe mode) you should
