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How do I change the file system?

Posted By : Student of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on March 3, 2004

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I get the following message each time upon start-up.............16 bit windows subsystem c:\winnt\system32\config.nt The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft applications. Choose close to terminate the application.

This question was answered on March 3, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.


ALL operating systems above Windows 9X such as Windows NT/2000/XP are tru 32 bit programs They require the use of the FAT 32 file system in their configuration on your PC.

These 32 bit programs will allow a 16 bit program (DOS) to run providing it with an environment appears to the program to be a 16 bit environment, which is called virtual real mode.

So, the first thing is to know what version of the Windows OS you have.

If you have Windowx 98/ME/SE, then you will need to convert your file system from FAT16 to FAT32 You can do this with the use of the Windows Drive Converter.

Click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Drive Converter (FAT32) and the Drive Converter Wizard dialog box will appear and walk you through step by step.

If you have Windows NT/2000/XP, then your file system should already be FAT32

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Posted by Student of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on March 3, 2004

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