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Can't run 16-bit Windows program

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by l lynch

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I am trying to install 2 different applications, which I have been able to install on all computers except 1.

The message is Can't run 16-bit Windows program. This application is not supported by Microsoft Windows NT.

The computer o/s is NT SP6a.

Has anyone experienced this.

5 replies

by csmith

Assuming you have a tape backup of the data on this PC, the next step is to transfer the image from a working PC. (I assume the other PCs have the same hardware configuration)
The problem you are facing is common.
Regards, Chris

by l lynch

Unfortunately the backups of the PC are done monthly and a lot of applications have been installed on this PC within the the last 6 weeks and the last backup has the some problem.

I have tried copying the WINNT\System directory from the main image, however not all of the 16 bit applications work some do and some don't

by csmith

Since you do not have an identical PC that has a working image, I assume that this is the compatability problem introduced into the OS.
I have been told that this incompatability was deliberatly written in by some Microsoft employees.
There is some debate going on in our organization about this "opportunity".
As you know from your experience, people will pay to avoid this problem, and the tremendous amount of lost time it causes.
The question is how much, how hard is it to fix, and how longtill Microsoft "recognises" the error in the memory manager and patches it.
The other problem is that we are extreemly busy, and have no free time, only money, but that does not help. It is free time that is necessary.

I would suggest, as a workaround, setting up a Win98SE PC to run these 16 bit applications.
Hardware is cheap, and, if the workstation/area is short on space, install a KVM switch.
Regards, Chris

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