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16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem Error Messege


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ShadowPuterDude

Sun May 07 2006, 12:46AM

...the Shadow knows

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This is a Self-Help Procedure. MalwareTeks is in no way liable for anything which may go wrong.

Error message when you install or start an MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program

Please print out these instructions so that you can operate with All Browser Windows CLOSED.

If you try to start or install an MS-DOS-based or a 16-bit Windows-based program on your Windows XP-based computer, you may receive an error message that is similar to one of the following:

16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem
path to the program that you are trying to start or install
C:\Winnt\System32\config.nt The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.

16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem
path to the program that you are trying to start or install
config.nt The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.

16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem
path to the program that you are trying to start or install
C:\Windows\System32\Autoexec.nt The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.

Although you may be prompted to quit the program or ignore the error message, either selection makes the program quit.

This issue may occur if one or more of the following files are missing or damaged:

Config.nt
Autoexec.nt
Command.com

To resolve this issue:

Insert the CD into the CD drive or DVD drive.
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type cmd, and then click OK.
At the command prompt, type the following commands, pressing ENTER after each command:

expand D:\i386\config.nt_ %systemroot%\system32\config.nt
expand D:\i386\autoexec.nt_ %systemroot%\system32\autoexec.nt
expand D:\i386\command.co_ %systemroot%\system32\command.com
exit

Note: The description of this procedure assumes that your CD drive letter is D. If your CD drive letter is not D, substitute the correct drive letter.
Start or install the program. If the issue is resolved, do not complete the remaining steps. If the issue is not resolved, go to the next step.

Note: The Command.com file is not edited or created in the following process. Because of this, you may have to expand it from your Windows XP CD-ROM.

Start Notepad.
In Notepad, type the following entries:

dos=high, umb
device=%SYSTEMROOT%\system32\himem.sys
files=40
On the File menu, click Save As.
In the File Name box, type Config.nt, and then click Save. Close the Config.nt file.
On the File menu, click New.
In the new blank document, type the following entries:

@echo off
lh %SYSTEMROOT%\system32\mscdexnt.exe
lh %SYSTEMROOT%\system32\redir
lh %SYSTEMROOT%\system32\dosx
SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 P330 T3
On the File menu, click Save As.
In the File Name box, type Autoexec.nt, and then click Save. Close the Autoexec.nt file.
Start Windows Explorer. Locate the Config.nt file, right-click the Config.nt file, and then click Copy.
Right-click the %SYSTEMROOT%\System32 folder, and then click Paste.
Locate the Autoexec.nt file, right-click the Autoexec.nt file, and then click Copy.
Right-click the %SYSTEMROOT%\System32 folder, and then click Paste.
Locate the Command.com file, right-click the expanded Command.com file, and then click Copy.
Right-click the %SYSTEMROOT%\System32 folder, and then click Paste. Restart your computer.

If the issue continues to occur, copy the Autoexec.nt and Config.nt files from the Repair folder in Windows to the System folder. To do so, follow these steps:

Click Start, click Run, type %systemroot%\repair, and then click OK.
Right-click autoexec.nt, and then click Copy.
Click Start, click Run, type %systemroot%\system32, and then click OK.
Right-click anywhere in that folder, and then click Paste.
Right-click the Autoexect.nt file that you just copied, and then click Properties.
Click to select Read-Only, and then click OK.
Repeat steps 1 through 6 to copy the Config.nt file.

NOTE: You must enable Read-Only permissions or the files will be removed after you restart Windows.

Alternate Method - for those without a CD.

Simply download the relevant file on to your hard disk then double click. The files will install themselves into the correct directories as noted below.

For Windows 2000 download this file - Windows 2000
For Windows XP Home download this file - XP Home
For Windows XP Professional download this file - XP Pro

NOTE:

These files assume that Windows is installed in the default directory - Windows 2000 in the C:\WINNT\System32 directory and XP in the C:\Windows\System32 directory. If Windows was installed in a different directory on your PC you will need to expand the files first and then copy the expanded files to the appropriate directory.
Changing the file attributes to Read Only as soon as they have been copied stops them being changed or deleted after install.
Once installed you will need to re-boot your PC. If you find that the files are being deleted after a reboot it is almost certain that you have either a Trojan, virus or adware on your PC. Please follow the instructions in this thread and see if running the recommended steps will solve your problem.
Please note that if this procedure does not help with regard to the 16 bit error. Do not send me Private Messages asking for further advice. They will not be answered. If you want more help, post your request on the forum.

APPLIES TO

Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

Based on information found in the following MS Article:
Error message when you install or start an MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program

~SPD~ 6 May 2006

[ Edited Sun May 07 2006, 12:50AM ]

"Only those who fail greatly can ever achieve greatly" - Robert F. Kennedy
Microsoft Most Valuable Professional - Consumer Security (2007-2008)
Member - Alliance of Security Analysis Professionals - Since 2006
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