Divide error:
Issue:
Divide error.
Note: This document also applies to the error messages
"Divide by Zero", "Divide by 0" or "Divide
Overflow" error messages.
Additional Information:
The divide error messages are caused when the computer or
software attempts run a process that attempts to perform a mathematical
division by zero, which is an illegal operation. This error message could also
be caused by a computer or software limitation or conflict with computer
memory.
Cause:
This issue can be caused by any of the following
possibilities:
Solution:
HARDWARE / SOFTWARE INCOMPATIBILITY
This issue can occur if software is being ran on a computer that has hardware that is incompatible
with the software. For example this issue may occur with restore software
designed for a specific computer and is being ran on
another computer or on the correct computer that has added hardware within it.
Ensure that the software that is being ran
on the computer is compatible with the computer and that the computer meets the
system requirements and/or determine if there are updates or replacements to
the software being used.
ERROR WITH AUTOEXEC.BAT / CONFIG.SYS
Users who are running Microsoft Windows 3.x temporarily
remark or remove any additional lines that may not be required in the
autoexec.bat / config.sys
Users who are running Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows 98 it
is recommended that they temporarily rename the autoexec.bat and config.sys to
ensure that these files are not causing the issue. To do this follow the
below instructions:
1.
Click Start / Shutdown
and restart the computer in a MS-DOS mode.
2.
Once at the MS-DOS
mode type:
cd\ <press enter>
ren autoexec.bat autoexec.ch <press enter>
ren config.sys config.ch <press enter>
3.
Once the files have
been renamed reboot the computer.
Additional help and information with the autoexec.bat /
config.sys can be found on our autoexec.bat
/ config.sys page.
Note: if you are unable to get to a MS-DOS prompt or to
Windows to rename or edit the files boot the computer to a MS-DOS mode only.
Information about how to do this can be found on document CHDOS.
DRIVER ISSUE
If you are encountering a divide error within Windows
ensure that all computer hardware devices such as the computer video card, sound card, network card or modem have the latest
drivers and/or patches.
SOFTWARE ISSUE
If the divide error is occurring while in a computer game
or software program and the above recommendations doe not resolve your issue
ensure that all software patches and/or upgrades have been obtained.
In addition ensure that another program that may be running
in the background such as a Virus protection program is not causing your issue
by end tasking all third party programs / TSRs.
Information about TSRs and how to end task these
programs can be found on document CHTSR.
EXTERNAL CACHE / 2ND LEVEL CACHE
If you are encountering the divide error in an older
software program or game it can be caused by compatibility issues with External
/ 2nd level cache by temporarily disabling this feature in CMOS may resolve
your issue.
IMPROPER CALCULATION
If you are performing a calculation in any type of program
and experience an divide error ensure that the calculation
being performed is possible. Some programs are not capable of verifying the
accuracy of a calculation and may perform an illegal process.
However many programs such as Microsoft Excel will generate
a error such as #DIV!0 error indicating the formula or
calculation is invalid or you are attempting to divide by zero.
OPERATING SYSTEM ISSUE
If you continue to experience a divide error while in
Windows or in a particular software program message and have followed each of
the above recommendations ensure that the issue is not being caused by the
operating system by attempting to reinstall the operating system.
HARDWARE ISSUE
Finally, if none of the above recommendations resolve or help to determine the cause of your issue it is possible that your computer may have a hardware issue. Generally when a Divide Error is encountered because of hardware it is caused by a issue with the computer Processor (CPU).