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Missing VSPUBAPI.DLL

#1 User is offline   universe8 

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  Posted 02 February 2010 - 11:24 PM

I have a problem with a computer with Windows 98 SE.

When I start it up I get the following 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 no longer exists."

I hit enter, Windows loads, and an error saying it cannot find VSPUBAPI.DLL comes up. I cannot get on the Internet or use my anti-virus program.

The program that caused it is a Computer Associates anti-virus program that I deleted a long time ago. I cannot reinstall it because I would have to pay for it.

Is there a way to reinstall the dll file?

It is Compaq computer and did not come with a Windows disk, so I cannot get it from there.

Any help would be appreciated! :thumbsup:

#2 Guest_Abacus 7_*

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Posted 03 February 2010 - 01:09 AM

:flowers:

You could try running a Search by Windows for any leftovers from the Anti Virus you uninstalled? Sometimes they leave bits and pieces behind? Some of them could be causing your problem.

Also, seeing as it is a Compaq, look for a Restore Folder the same way. if it is not there, I suggest looking for the Model Number on the Case, usually on the back and Post it back here, so we can better Help you.

:thumbsup:

#3 User is offline   universe8 

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Posted 07 February 2010 - 02:00 AM

It is a Compaq Presario 7596.

CPU: Intel Celeron 566Hz
Mem: 265 MB
Hard Drive: 25.2 GB

I got rid of all the bits of the old program, but it still is not working.

Thank you for the help. Any other suggestions?

#4 Guest_Abacus 7_*

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Posted 07 February 2010 - 04:21 AM

:flowers:

Did you find the Restore Folder?

It should be there?

The serial Number on the back of the Case will Help a lot, look for it? There should be a Sticker there, Post every thing on that Sticker

Just a Model leads to a awful runabout with Drivers you don't need.

:thumbsup:

This post has been edited by Abacus 7: 07 February 2010 - 04:29 AM

#5 User is offline   petewills  

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Posted 07 February 2010 - 07:23 AM

Not wishing to interefere with your good advice, Ray, there are many warnings against
downloading .dlls off the Internet, if you can't replace them from folders on your system,
but I do recall when using Win98, many moons ago, that this was routinely done and
worked fine. Provided you take the usual precautions, it may be an option.

However, I defer to your expertise. :thumbsup:

Pete

#6 Guest_Abacus 7_*

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Posted 07 February 2010 - 08:25 AM

:flowers:

You are spot on, Mate

Looking for dlls on the Net is quite Dangerious, that is why I asked for more Details.

Particularly with HP and Compaq. That is one different type of Computer that the Sharks, (Idiots) concentrate on. They just use people to put Garbage inside the Computer, because the people never know. It is just not fair to users.

Funny enough, Most HP and Compaq have a Restore Folder where they all are, just need to activatate it to get installation.

That is our next step after we find that Folder.

:thumbsup:

This post has been edited by Abacus 7: 07 February 2010 - 08:44 AM

#7 Guest_Abacus 7_*

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Posted 07 February 2010 - 09:43 AM

:thumbsup:

Can I ask universe8, if you have the reinstall Disks for that Machine?

I bet you don't.

No matter, we can try?

#8 User is offline   garmanma 

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Posted 07 February 2010 - 11:58 AM

VSPUBAPI.DLL is for Zone Alarm
Mark
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#9 Guest_Abacus 7_*

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Posted 07 February 2010 - 12:53 PM

:flowers:

Oops, I did try that one once, never again on WIN98SE and never since on any Operating System.

Look for Zone Alarm, Mate? Same way as before, then Delete it.

That is probably the left over that we need to get rid of, Thank you Garmanma for that input.

I honestly just formated and reinstalled WIN98SE at the time, but remember it well.

I don't think we have that option here?

:thumbsup:

This post has been edited by Abacus 7: 07 February 2010 - 01:09 PM

#10 User is offline   Eyesee 

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Posted 07 February 2010 - 02:04 PM

I was thinking that VSPUBAPI.DLL is either from Computer Associates Antivirus or Zone Alarm as Garmanma suggests. It is NOT a standard Windows 98 Dll.

Try this:
Click Start - Run
In the RUN box type SYSEDIT and click OK
Click on the SYSTEM.INI file to bring it to the front.
Click on SEARCH then FIND
Type VSPUBAPI.DLL and have it search the SYSTEM.INI file for it.
If found put a "; " (semicolon space) at the beginning of the line
Save the file, exit and reboot.
In the beginning there was the command line.

#11 User is offline   Queen-Evie 

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Posted 07 February 2010 - 09:13 PM

View Postuniverse8, on Feb 2 2010, 10:24 PM, said:

It is Compaq computer and did not come with a Windows disk, so I cannot get it from there.

Any help would be appreciated! :flowers:



View PostAbacus 7, on Feb 7 2010, 08:43 AM, said:

:thumbsup:

Can I ask universe8, if you have the reinstall Disks for that Machine?

I bet you don't.

No matter, we can try?

This post has been edited by Queen-Evie: 07 February 2010 - 10:58 PM

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#12 Guest_Abacus 7_*

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Posted 09 February 2010 - 05:09 AM

:flowers:

The Restore Folder is on All Compaq and HP Machines, just keep looking for it?

Eyesee has really good advice, you need to track down that Maverick of WIN98SE.

I loved that System, but it really had moments like this.

Maybe, Keithuk has a Comment or two, he is much more experienced that me in WIN98SE, as he still uses it, unlike me.

:thumbsup:

#13 User is offline   Keithuk 

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Posted 09 February 2010 - 11:51 AM

View PostAbacus 7, on Feb 9 2010, 10:09 AM, said:

Maybe, Keithuk has a Comment or two, he is much more experienced that me in WIN98SE, as he still uses it, unlike me.

Well I'm not familiar with VSPUBAPI.DLL its not on my system. Its probably installed from another app. Google doesn't bring up much only

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbyerrorm...ssing-error.htm

If VSPUBAPI.DLL isn't on your system then Run: Regedit and delete every reference to it. You could open your System.ini file and search for that filename but I wouldn't think it will be in there. If your computer won't startup because of this file thats missing startup in Safe Mode. Keep the Ctrl keys pressed as the computer is startup up. At the DOS menu select Safe Mode. Once Windows has started up Run: Regedit again and search and remove any references to it.

You don't use ZoneAlarm do you? :thumbsup:
Keith

Martin2k

Windows ME (spare computer)
Windows XP 2002 Professional SP3 (desktop computer)
Windows Vista Home Premium SP2 (laptop computer)

#14 Guest_Abacus 7_*

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Posted 09 February 2010 - 12:03 PM

:thumbsup:

The Master is here!

Thank you keithuk.

:flowers:

#15 User is offline   garmanma 

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Posted 09 February 2010 - 02:34 PM

Try this:
Go into msconfig:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/281965
Look for anything that has VSPUBAPI or Computer Associates in it and disable it
If that works, I would get a startup manager to do it permanently
Codestuff Starter is compatible with 98
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/Starter.html
Look under the startup tab and the Processes tab
Mark
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why won't my laptop work?

Having grandkids is God's way of giving you a 2nd chance because you were too busy working your butt off the 1st time around
Do not send me PMs with problems that should be posted in the forums. Keep it in the forums, so everyone benefits
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