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16 Bit subsystem problem?

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5 replies

by meddjay

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When I go to install a program on XP, a 16 bit subsystem window pops up and shows C:\windows\system32\autoexec.nt Then it says file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and MS Windows applications. It doesn't matter if I am trying to install from a cd or a file download. I have installed these programs before on xp with no problem. Is this a virus? I have done virus scans and adware scans up the ying yang. After some research I hit on testing the windows virtual DOS machine by typing command.com in the run box, so that it would start a command prompt window. Well, it didn't. But I can get to the command prompt window by typing cmd. I have checked the config.nt file and the autoexec.nt files. I have repartitioned. Not sure what to try next. Any ideas?

5 replies

by meddjay

Oh, and I forgot to add....I have run registry mechanic but only have the trial version, though checked through the registry. This computer is a Dell. I have Windows 2000 specific CD for Compaq, XP for Sony, and ME for Dell (don't ask), but no XP for Dell which is what this is running.

by cg it

well 16 bit word programs don't always run or run well on 32 bit word O/Ss. Just the nature of the beast. Some processors that are 32 bit word just cant seem to work down at the 16 bit word level. Some users have resorted to going with old DOS based O/S's like Windows 95 to run their 16 bit word programs. Its also been a major contention with MS products that custom programs dont always work well with Windows which is why Linux is popular and with Solaris 10 coming out free, might put a big dent in MSs hold on corporate computing. Its far easier to program using linux or unix than trying to program for MS Windows.

by razz2

The URL wrapped so you will need to copy and paste so you get
the 324767 part too.

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