Duh...Drop into MS-DOS mode?

[ygreenkitty]

Ok, this seems like it should be simple. If you're running into KERNEL32.DLL errors, consider dropping into MS-DOS mode and deleting it from the command prompt. This will effectively clean out previously swapped code which may have been causing system instability. Windows will create a new swap file automatically before its next session.

1. Why can't I just do a find--delete from the start menu?

2. When I go to the MS-Dos command prompt, I'm stuck. Start-Programs-MS-Dos prompt.

This is a quote from today's Lockergnome:

<< Ack! Stop!? Y'all need to be aware that yesterday's tip was worded incorrectly. It was one of those situations where I knew what I meant, but my thoughts weren't conveyed correctly. I hope that damage has not already taken place. Most of you caught the error, but allow me to repeat the sentences in question: &quot;When was the last time you deleted your swap file (WIN386.SWP)? If you're running into KERNEL32.DLL errors, consider dropping into MS-DOS mode and deleting it from the command prompt. This will effectively clean out previously swapped code which may have been causing system instability. Windows will create a new swap file automatically before its next session.&quot; Anybody catch my mistake? The &quot;It&quot; should have been the WIN386.SWP file, NOT KERNEL32.DLL! >>



Which is kinda funny, because I knew he meant win386.swp, but I put the .dll in my question!

 

[Oyeve]

I think you are supposed to boot into msdos mode, not just go there from within the os. On bootup hit F8 before the os starts to load then choose command prompt only.

 

[ygreenkitty]

Thanks, I can do that.

 

[Ladi]

DO NOT delete kernel32.dll!

That will effectively kill your windows installation, requiring a fix or full reinstall of your operating system. As a general rule, *.dll, *.vxd, *.sys, and other system files should NEVER be deleted.

If you're looking to clear swap file, just do a cold reboot (shut computer down, wait 5-10 seconds, turn computer back on). If you're looking to fix a corrupting or corrupted Win9x installation, then run a fix (select &quot;Fix&quot; when running setup) or reinstall your OS entirely (format, reinstall).

~Ladi

 

[kwisatz]

To delete the swap file go to dos mode - either by pressing F8 just before windows starts to load and then select &quot;command prompt only&quot;, or by choosing &quot;shotdown&quot; > &quot;Restart in MS-DOS mode&quot; from the start menu.

At the dosprompt type &quot;del c:\win386.swp&quot;

Reboot system.

 

[ygreenkitty]

Thanks!