When I tried to download a program, I got the message that virtual device driver format in the registry is invalid. Other help web sites seem to say I have to delete from the registry. How do I find the registry and what should I do next to fix this problem. Thanks

Make sure you know the full error message:

Your's seems similar to this:

Virtual Device Driver failed DLL initialization

To open the registry go to Start > Run > regedit

Like altering system files, modifying the registry can be risky and D-A-L.com and its members cannot accept liability for any adverse effects caused by following advice freely given on this site.

I have Windows 2000. My exact message was System\CurrentControlSet\Control\VirtualDeviceDriv ers.VDD
The only other message was Virtual device driver format in the registry is invalid and 16 bit windows subsystem. What should I do?

First off Open regedit and click file then export. Choose to export the registry to My Documents. This will create a back up just in case. Then follow the following instructions:

This is the 2nd instance in the above link.

16 bit MS-DOS Subsystem
drive:\program path
SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\VirtualDeviceDriv ers. VDD. Virtual Device Driver format in the registry is invalid. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
You can resolve the problem by deleting the value, followed by readding the value.

Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Key: SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\VirtualDeviceDriv ers
Name: VDD
Type: REG_MULTI_SZ


Delete the value. When you re-add VDD, when the multi-string editor appears with a blank entry. Leave the entry blank and click OK This should resolve the problem. The problem shows up on Windows 2000 and Windows XP systems. It can occur in Windows NT if someone (or some program) deletes the VDD value.

Like altering system files, modifying the registry can be risky and D-A-L.com and its members cannot accept liability for any adverse effects caused by following advice freely given on this site.

Here is the official Microsoft page:

"16 Bit MS-DOS Subsystem" Error Message When You Install a Program

I replace the VDD value by deleting and then leaving blank but I still am not able to load a program off CD without the same message coming up. Do you have any more advice? Thanks

This from the microsoft page: Note #'s 4 & 5. In other words you need to replace the VDD. Sorry for any confusion from the earlier post. (Is why I added Microsoft page).

1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe or Regedit.exe).

NOTE: In Windows XP, Regedit.exe and Regedt32.exe have been integrated into a single program that combines the features of the two registry editors in Windows 2000.
2. Locate and select the following value:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\VirtualDeviceDrivers\VDD
3. On the Edit menu, click Delete.
4. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click Multi-string Value.
5. Type VDD in the Value Name box, and then press ENTER.
6. Quit Registry Editor.

All of these steps didn't help. I think I have a corrupted or missing file. Is there anyway of fixing this without starting from scratch?

Did you make changes in both
Regedit.exe and Regedt32.exe ?

Sorry, i am using XP where these 2 were merged, so I'm unsure if changing both might be neccessary.

There is the follow-up step consisting of verifying the command.com file.

Do you have your 2000 install disk?

ok found this just for 2000: you need to open Regedt32.exe

Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).
Locate and click the following value:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\VirtualDeviceDrivers\VDD
On the Edit menu, click Delete.
On the Edit menu, click Add Value.
Type VDD in the Value Name box, click REG_MULTI_SZ for the Data Type, and then click OK.
The Multi-String editor appears. Leave this entry blank and click OK.
Quit Registry Editor.