Home DSL Problem.
 
Windows 98 with D-link DSL USB modem.
 
Customer rang after installing the d-link setup cd , the computer rebooted but ran into a major problem. 
The computer crashed just after start-up and stalled on a black screen with this message. 
Cannot find a device file that may be needed to run Windows or a Windows application. 
 
The Windows registry or System.ini file refers to this device file, but the device file no longer exists. 
 
If you deleted this file on purpose, try uninstalling the associated application using its uninstall program or setup program. 
 
If you still want to use the application associated with this device file, try reinstalling that application to replace the missing file. 
 
Vnetsup.vxd 
 
After this point Windows 98 will not start. 
 
 
RESOLUTION

Boot the computer into Safe Mode (It should be able to do this).
Open Add/Remove programs and uninstall "Communications" (Dialup Networking / Virtual Private Network)
 
Next Steps , please advise the customer we will not take liability if the computer fails to load. This may cause Windows to never load again if you do the wrong thing. 
If you do not feel comfortable with this , please do not attempt. 
 
Please follow :
 
WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Use Registry Editor at your own risk. 
 
For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it. 
 
To work around this problem, use either of the following methods: 
 
Use Registry Editor to delete the StaticVxD value in the Vnetsup subkey under the following registry entry: 
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlset\Services\VxD\vnetsup
-or- 
 
Use Registry Editor to delete the StaticVxD value in the DFS subkey under the following registry entry: 
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlset\Services\VxD\dfs

Reboot the computer. 
Windows should load as normal , if it doesn't you may have cause serious damage. (Too bad ! Hang up and go hide in the shaster)
 
Go re-install "Dial up networking" in Settings, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Windows Setup
After this has been installed , reboot the computer.
 
Once the computer reboots , Install the d-link setup cd as normal. 
 
You know the rest...........................
 
 
 
 
(Don't Blame Me)