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Win2000 & NTVDM CPU error

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4 replies

by ladyiguana

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When trying to run a DOS program on a new Win2000 Desktop, I receive the following error - "The NTVDM CPU has encountered an illegal instruction". Following is an hexidecimal (?) number which I am not sure if it will help troubleshoot or not.

Oddly enough, this DOS program runs fine on my laptop with Win2K and previous desktops configured with 2K.

I have tried applying the service pack 2 for Win2K as well as comparing services and the autoexec/config.nt files between the desktop and laptop. I also reformatted the machine in question. Any other suggestions?

4 replies

by syscokid

Check this Microsoft Knowledgebase article. It may be a problem with autoexec.nt or config.nt, or command.com. Makes sense since it's only happening on one machine.

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q156/6/87.asp

(Sometimes when I cut and paste URL's it looks ok to me but once the answer is posted, an extraneous space will have crept in. Make sure you delete any extraneous spaces or the page won't load).

by ladyiguana

Thanks ASyscoKid - I already read this article and a few others from Microsoft.

The config.nt and autoexec.nt files are exactly the same between the working and nonworking machines.

by ladyiguana

I fixed this problem by manually setting the EMS to none in the properties on the icon - in case anyone else encounters this problem.

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