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Windows 98 Display Properties error

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5 replies

by tsakonac

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The display properties comes up with an error "An error occurred when accessing C:\windows\system\desk.cpl" when right clicking on the desktop with one of my clients. The display panel doesn't show up. I've tried replacing the desk.cpl file with a new version from the Windows 98 cd and no luck. I've tried running the desk.cpl file manually with commands too. Anyone got any suggestions?

5 replies

by dle

Try rename existing DESK.CPL, extract DESKW95.CPL from the original .CAB file to C:\Windows\System. Then rename it to DESK.CPL.

If that does not work, you can also try to re-install Windows 98 on top of itself. Just have the drivers disks nearby in case some newer devices are not being detected by the installation.

by tsakonac

I tried that already. I was trying to keep from reinstalling windows on the client because everything else works fine. I wanted a quicker fix.

by dmiles

Try either of these solve your problem
Reference the microsoft knowledgebase article
Q217752 and follow the instructions.
The other option will be to Extract usingSFC from run command...Extract the Win98_28.cab file to a folder on your desktop after that open the folder and extract that cab file again and a folder will appear for w95.cpl,copy to WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory and rename the file copied to desktop,now reboot your system and this should work.

by tsakonac

Thank you for your answer. I will try your first suggestion. I've searched the knowledge base before and didn't find this article.

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