Computer geeks around the world will recognize this error as one of the most common mistakes people make when starting out with Windows. What makes this error particularly devastating, is that people have a habit of mis-reading the error when it is displayed, and then taking steps that compound the problem rather than solving it.

Commonly, the problem is that the user believes the error indicates that system.ini is missing. It is important to note that there is a trememndous difference between “files in system.ini are missing” and “system.ini is missing.” The first indicates that changes have been made to the system outside of its intended removal functions, and the second indicates a crucial system file is completely missing.

To solve the SECOND case, where system.ini itself is missing, simply run System Restore, and restore your system to the last known date when your computer was working properly. Variations on this error may be missing win.ini, or other default files referenced by the computer at startup. To minimize problems in this case, always create a restore point before making changes to your operating system.

In the FIRST situation, where files named in system.ini are not to be found, the most common error is human interference. If you have recently deleted programs by moving them to the Recycle Bin, or deleting them outright, the chances are good that your error is failure to follow the proper Windows chain of command.

Windows, as is typical of Microsoft, is very fastidious and self-centered. It wants to participate in any changes made to your system, and can be quite balky when changes are made manually. Not only can this result in boot errors, it can also leave you with “phantom” shortcuts on your desktop, and start menu, and the ones in your start menu can be VERY difficult to get rid of.

Always attempt to delete files or programs using the Add/Remove Programs option in the Windows Control Panel. This may seem to be the more complicated method, and rightly so, but it is, as noted above, simply Windows way making sure that you keep Microsoft in the loop, and don’t go modifying your computer to suit yourself without the help of Microsoft.

Article written by MyComputerAid.com