How to Repair the Vmm32.vxd File

You will need to know exactly what the Vmm32.vxd file is. The Vmm32.vxd file is used on the Windows 9x and ME platforms only. The Vmm32.vxd is a monolithic file that contains many different VXD files (Virtual Device Driver), much like a CAB or a ZIP file. The Vmm32.vxd file is created by the Windows Setup program, and it contains different drivers for each machine. In many cases it will contain different drivers on each installation of Windows to the same machine, so replacing this file cannot be done by getting it from another machine. There is a standard VMM32.vxd file in the Windows Cabinet files, but it is not usable as is. It only contains a few basic VXDs and Windows adds to it as it installs Windows using the Wininit.ini file.

If the Vmm32.vxd file is damaged or missing Windows will not boot, so you have three choices. 1.You can obtain it from a backup. For those of you who have WinSafe, it automatically monitors and backs up the Vmm32.vxd file, it will even tell you if the file is missing or changed before shutting down Windows. If the file changed and you find out it is damaged when you try and reboot; WinSafe can restore its' backup Vmm32.vxd from DOS. If it is missing WinSafe will not shut down Windows, allowing you to restore with WinSafe backup file.
2. Reinstall Windows
3. Make a repair, which is the topic of this newsletter.