Some software packages during installation also install updated versions of DLL, VDX and other system files. Most software does this without asking, which is usually OK. Problems arise because some programs unfortunately install their version of the system files regardless of whether the version that is present on the system is newer or not. This would explain the message you get. If all the software that you are installing comes from the same company, then the fact that it happens for several software packages makes sense as well. In particular, this can be a common problem when you are installing Windows 3.1 software under Windows 95.
Another possibility is that there is a virus, possibly on the installation disks, that is corrupting system files. Obtain an up-to-date antivirus program and scan both your computer and the installation disks.
It is also possible that some of your system files have become corrupted, and even though Windows tells you that it is fixing the problem, it isn't! One solution is a complete reinstall of Windows 95. Alternatively, make a note of all the files that Windows 95 reports as corrupted, such as ddeml.dll. Find these files and right-click on each of them, choosing Properties. Make a note of the file size, creation and last modified dates. On the Windows 95 CD or disks there is a command line program called extract.exe. You can use this to extract each of the files from their compressed CAB files on the Windows 95 CD or disks. At the DOS command prompt, type extract to get help on how to use the extraction utility. You will need to search each CAB file for the files you are interested in. For example, you might type extract /d win95_02.cab ddeml.dll. The /d switch displays the filename and details if it is contained in the CAB file specified. You will need do this for each CAB file until you find the files you are looking for. It is a little tedious but better than doing a reinstall. When you find the file, check its date against the date on the file in your Windows directory. If this file is older than the one in the CAB file, you will need to replace it by extracting the newer version from the CAB file, as in extract <x.cab> ddeml.dll /l c:\windows.
- Roy Chambers