When I install new hardware I occasionally receive the following error sign on screen. This disallows me to install certain programmes.
16 bit Windows Subsystem
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\.NT. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
This message recently came on screen when I tried to install a new scanner.
This question was answered on February 2, 2005. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.
Error message when you install or start an MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program
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
CAUSE
This issue may occur if one or more of the following files are missing or damaged: " Config.nt
" Autoexec.nt
" Command.com
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
About the author
Posted by Eramilde of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on February 2, 2005
Need Help with this Issue?
We help people with technology! It's what we do.
Contact or Schedule an Appointment with a location for help!