Computer Repair Knowledge Base: What is causing the s32evnt1.dll Windows XP error which says s32evnt1.dll an installable virtual device driver failed dll initialization.
While working on a slow Windows XP laptop recently, the client asked how to improve computer performance windows xp? I recommended to remove Norton Internet Security and the constant guard xfinity norton software. By switching to a lighter antivirus software, the laptop became much more responsive. However, this client runs some MS Dos software for Windows XP and began getting the following error:
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16 bit MS-DOS Subsystem
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C:\DOCUME~1\USER~1\Desktop\EUREKA.pif
C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\S32EVNT1.DLL. An installable Virtual Device Driver failed Dll initialization. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
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Close Ignore
s32evnt1.dll an installable virtual device driver failed dll initialization error – Why?
When Norton Antivirus is installed and running, it opens, finds, creates, and references registry keys. When Constant Guard XFinity software is removed (which includes Norton Antivirus), it apparently doesn’t do a good job at all of cleaning up after itself. This basically is an empty registry keys error…reversed. Windows tries to open the MS Dos software, but the registry key contains a value which is no longer valid (since Symantec Antivirus was removed).
s32evnt1.dll an installable virtual device driver failed dll initialization error – Fix:
The fix involves setting the registry key back to it’s original empty state.
Disclaimer: The following procedure involves editing the registry. This is advanced stuff that can break your computer. If you don’t know what you are doing, if this is out of your comfort zone, or this is beyond your abilities, stop reading here! If you read further, you agree that I am NOT to be held responsible in any way for your actions. This is simply my knowledge base log, so please get qualified help. I provide Remote PC Support. For more details or to setup a remote support session Contact Jonathan Warner Computer Services.
s32evnt1.dll windows xp – Repair Procedure
- Launch the registry editor
- Navigate to:
HKLM\System\CurentControlSet\Control\VirtualDeviceDrivers
Do you see two registry keys? (Default) and VDD? Good! VDD likely has the following or similar Data: C:\PROGRA~1\Symantec\S32EVNT1.DLL (see following image)
- remove the data NOT THE Key!
- Reboot
- Run the MS Dos software to test
No more errors? great!
s32evnt1.dll windows xp – registry file
Want to automate the fix with a .reg file? Here’s the code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\VirtualDeviceDrivers]
"VDD"=hex(7):00,00
Computer Repair – Summary
The above procedure worked in this particular case because the VDD was expecting to use S32EVNT1.DLL, but it wasn’t there due to removing Norton AV. Removing that pointer made everything work.
If you are still having issues with how to fix the s32evnt1.dll windows xp error about and complete symantec s32evnt1.dll an installable virtual device driver failed dll initialization, please contact Jonathan Warner Computer Repair.
to schedule a service call today!