SYMPTOMS
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.
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CAUSE
This issue may occur if one or more of the following files are missing or
damaged:
.. Config.nt
.. Autoexec.nt
.. Command.com
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RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue:
1. Insert the CD into the CD drive or DVD drive.
2. Click Start, and then click Run.
3. In the Open box, type cmd, and then click OK.
4. At the command prompt, type the following commands, pressing
ENTER after each command:
expand CD-ROM Drive Letter:\i386\config.nt_ c:\windows\system32\config.nt
expand CD-ROM Drive Letter:\i386\autoexec.nt_
c:\windows\system32\autoexec.nt
expand CD-ROM Drive Letter:\i386\command.co_ c:\windows\system32\command.com
exit
5. 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.
6. Note: The Command.com file is not edited or created in this in
the following process. Because of this, you may have to expand it from your
Windows XP CD-ROM.
Start Notepad.
7. In Notepad, type the following entries:
dos=high, umb
device=%SYSTEMROOT%\system32\himem.sys
files=40
8. On the File menu, click Save As.
9. In the File Name box, type Config.nt, and then click Save. Close
the Config.nt file.
10. On the File menu, click New.
11. 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
12. On the File menu, click Save As.
13. In the File Name box, type Autoexec.nt, and then click Save. Close
the Autoexec.nt file.
14. Start Windows Explorer. Locate the Config.nt file, right-click the
Config.nt file, and then click Copy.
15. Right-click the %SYSTEMROOT%\System32 folder, and then click
Paste.
16. Locate the Autoexec.nt file, right-click the Autoexec.nt file, and
then click Copy.
17. Right-click the %SYSTEMROOT%\System32 folder, and then click
Paste.
18. Locate the Command.com file, right-click the expanded Command.com
file, and then click Copy.
19. 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:
1. Click Start, click Run, type c:\windows\repair, and then click
OK.
2. Right-click autoexec.nt, and then click Copy.
3. Click Start, click Run, type c:\windows\system32, and then click
OK.
4. Right-click anywhere in that folder, and then click Paste.
5. Right-click the Autoexect.nt file that you just copied, and then
click Properties.
6. Click to select Read-Only, and then click OK.
7. 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.
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MORE INFORMATION
For more information about MS-DOS-based programs in Windows, click the
following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge
Base:
305521 "16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem" error message when you run an MS-DOS or
16-Bit Windows program in Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000 Server
314106 Troubleshooting MS-DOS-based programs in Windows XP
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APPLIES TO
.. Microsoft Windows XP Professional
.. Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
