I have tried for about 2 months now to solve this problem since my PC was first built. System is sluggish because it is not using all the memory available to it, even though the BIOS recognizes all 256MB. As it boots up, the message "emm386.exe not installed" appears. This message has appeared since Windows was first loaded.Since this is at least one of the DOS apps that allows use of extended memory by applications, this is the problem. It is present in the c:\windows and c:\windows\system directories, plus in a couple places in program files for PQ Magic's benefit (part of partition magic) I have tried to copy it from the Windows 98SE CD to the HD. It doesn't work. I have even deleted it from the Windows directories, then tried to copy it again from the CD. No dice. Now, not only do I get the message that emm386 is not installed, but also that XMS manager is not present. Other than Windows being the evil, flaky, lethargic,Alzheimer patient spawn of Bill Gates, what gives? The file is even checked to run in the config.sys file, along with the himem.sys file. Windows simply refuses to recognize that the file is there. Also, right near the end of boot-up, there will be a little window pop in the desktop for just an instant and disappear. The system boots so fast I can't see what if any title is on it. It is identical to the gui that would be used to enter a Windows keycode during installation. I can't even slow my system speed down enough in the BIOS to allow me to get a good look at it. I don't have a clue what program it is associated with. How can I track this vermin down and get rid of it without trashing Windows and/or the registry. I would think it would have to be something in the application events or root section of the registry. It probably ain't hurting anything, other bugging the p**s out of me, but I want it gone, if possible. Any tips on either problem is much appreciated.

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"..640K is all anybody should ever need.."--Bill Gates

[This message has been edited by rednek tek (edited 09-02-2001).]