VFAT errors

Issue

VFAT errors.

Complete Error:

VFAT Device Initialization Failed
A device or resource required by VFAT is not present or is unavailable. VFAT cannot continue loading.
System halted.

Cause

  1. Config.sys is pointing to old version of ifshlp.sys.
  2. The ifshlp.sys line was deleted after installing Windows 95.
  3. Ifshlp.sys is missing from the Windows directory.
  4. The [Paths] in the MSDOS.SYS is incorrect.
  5. Winboot.ini from a previous installation of Windows 95 is present on the boot disk.
  6. SystemSoft CardWorks software is installed on the computer.

Solution

Config.sys is pointing to old version of ifshlp.sys

  1. Boot the computer to Safe Mode Command Prompt Only.
  2. Edit the config.sys. Information on how to do this can be found on our autoexec.bat and config.sys page.
  3. Remove the ifshlp.sys line from the config.sys file.
  4. Save the Config.sys and restart the computer.

The ifshlp.sys line was deleted after installing Windows 95

  1. Boot the computer to Safe Mode Command Prompt Only.
  2. Edit the config.sys. Information on how to do this can be found on our autoexec.bat and config.sys page.
  3. Add the below line into the config.sys file.

    DEVICE=C:\Windows\IFSHLP.SYS

    *This line may vary if Windows was installed on another drive or in another directory.
  4. Save the Config.sys and restart the computer.

Ifshlp.sys is missing from the Windows directory

Determine if Ifshlp.sys is missing from the Windows directory by following the below instructions.

  1. Boot the computer to Safe Mode Command Prompt Only.
  2. Once at a MS-DOS prompt, type the below commands.

    cd\windows <press enter>
    dir ifshlp.sys <press enter>

    If after typing the second line and pressing enter you receive a message "File not found" it is likely the file is missing from the drive. This file can be copied from the floppy diskette or CD and must be copied into the Windows directory. Additional information about the copy command can be found on our copy command page.

The [Paths] in the MSDOS.SYS is incorrect

  1. Edit the MSDOS.SYS, information and help on editing the MSDOS.SYS can be found on our MSDOS.SYS page.
  2. In the MSDOS.SYS file verify that the below three files are correct.

    [Paths]
    WinDir=<Windows Directory>
    WinBootDir=<Windows Directory>
    HostWinBootDrv=<Drive letter>

    An example of the MSDOS.SYS file and additional information on each of the above lines can be found on our MSDOS.SYS page.

Winboot.ini from a previous installation of Windows 95 is present on the boot disk

  1. Edit the MSDOS.SYS, information and help on editing the MSDOS.SYS can be found on our MSDOS.SYS page.
  2. Delete the winboot.ini file on the boot drive.

SystemSoft CardWorks software is installed on the computer

Laptops using Windows 98 and SystemSoft CardWorks may encounter VFAT errors due to incompatibilities in the software with ifshlp.sys.

To resolve this issue, contact the manufacturer of your laptop for information on how to uninstall this software.

Additional information

  • See the VFAT definition for further information and related links.