Windows Err Msg: Setup Error #3, Setup is unable to copy...

Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
Article ID: Q109495

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11
Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to upgrade to a later version of Windows or Windows or Windows for Workgroups, you may receive the following error during Setup:

   Setup Error #3
   Setup is unable to copy the file
   ...
   For assistance, write down the number of
   this message, and then call product support.

This message is often followed by:

   Memory allocation error

and then

   Cannot load COMMAND, system halted

CAUSE

The error is generated if the WIN.INI file is larger than approximately 50 kilobytes in size.

After you run Windows or Windows for Workgroups for a period of time, the WIN.INI file can become quite large, especially if you have installed a third-party font package.

RESOLUTION

To properly install Windows for Workgroups, reduce the size of the WIN.INI file.

KBCategory: kbsetup kbref kberrmsg
KBSubcategory: win31 wfw wfwg
Additional reference words: 3.10 3.1 3.11

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Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
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