windows protection errot

[ef43]

I consistently get a windows protection error on boot. It looks like everything is loading okay then I get the windows protection error message and have to start in safe mode, shutdown and restart. Sometimes this corrects the problem but other times this happens repeatedly. what could be the problem?

thanks

[reghakr]

Here's info from Microsoft. To view the article numbers:

In Internet Explorer, go to Help>Online Support, choose the Microsoft Knowledge Base, then check the box that says specify an article ID number, then paste the article numbers below into the search box.

How to Troubleshoot Windows Protection Error Messages

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The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows 95
Microsoft Windows 98
Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition

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SYMPTOMS
When you start Windows, you may receive one of the following error messages, where device name is a device name:

While initializing device device name Windows Protection Error
-or-
Windows Protection Error
When you shut down your computer, you may receive the following error message:
Windows Protection Error
NOTE: To more effectively search the Microsoft Knowledge Base, use keywords that relate to your issue when you search. If you are searching for troubleshooting information that is not referred to in this article, please try searching the Microsoft Knowledge Base again by using keywords that are listed in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:
Q242450 How to Query the Microsoft Knowledge Base Using Keywords

CAUSE
This behavior can occur when a when your computer loads or unloads a virtual device driver (VxD). 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 which VxD caused the behavior.

Windows Protection error messages can occur under any of the following conditions:

If a real-mode driver and a protected-mode driver are in conflict.
If the registry is damaged.
If either the Win.com file or the Command.com file are infected with a virus, or if either of the files are 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 computer's basic input/output system (BIOS) is not working correctly.
If the computer contains a malfunctioning cache or malfunctioning memory.
If the computer's motherboard is not working properly.
If you installed Microsoft Office 97 and you are using the Novell Client 32 software.

RESOLUTION
To resolve a Windows Protection error message:

Start your computer in Safe mode. For information about how to start your computer in Safe mode, view one of the following sections, depending on your operating system.

Windows 95
To start Windows 95 in Safe mode, press the F8 key when you see the "Starting Windows 95" message, and then choose Safe Mode from the Startup menu.
Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition
To start Windows 98 in Safe mode, restart your computer, press and hold down the CTRL key until the Windows 98 Startup menu appears, and then choose Safe Mode.
Windows Millennium Edition (Me)

To start Windows Me in Safe mode, press and hold down the CTRL key while you restart your computer, and then choose Safe Mode on the Windows Me Startup menu.
If you do not receive the error message when you start your computer in Safe mode or when you shut down your computer from Safe mode, view one of the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Windows 95:
Q136337 Troubleshooting Windows 95 Startup Problems
Q145926 How to Troubleshoot Windows 95 Shutdown Problems
Windows 98:
Q188867 Troubleshooting Windows 98 Startup Problems
Q202633 How to Troubleshoot Windows 98 Shutdown Problems
Windows Millennium Edition (Me):

Q273738 TITLE: Troubleshooting Windows Me Startup Problems
Q273746 TITLE: How to Troubleshoot Windows Me Shutdown Problems
If your computer is a Plug and Play computer, reinstall Windows by using the setup /p I command.

Verify that the computer's CMOS settings are correct. For information about how to change CMOS settings on your computer, view the computer's documentation or contact the computer manufacturer.

Install a "clean" copy of Windows in an empty folder. Choose the Custom installation option and do not allow Windows Setup to detect the hardware in your computer. Instead, install only a mouse, a VGA video adapter, and a keyboard.

IMPORTANT: If the error message still occurs, it is most likely caused by faulty hardware.

MORE INFORMATION
The VxD that is generating the error message can be any VxD, either a default VxD that is installed, or a third-party .386 driver that is loaded from the System.ini file. If you do not know which driver is causing the error message, create a Bootlog.txt file, and then check to see which driver is the last driver that is initialized. This is typically the driver that is causing the problem.

NOTE: You may also receive a Windows Protection error message when you restart Windows 95 after you install a program or make a configuration change to your computer. For additional information about this issue, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q157924 Err Msg: "IOS Failed to Initialize" on Boot
For additional information about how to resolve Windows protection issues, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Q131431 How to Troubleshoot Registry Errors

reghakr