Occasional problems with DOS
software running under Windows XP

Well folks Windows XP (and 2000 & NT) has a wonderful new feature. Occasionally it just decides that it no longer wants to run DOS software like the software posted on this site. So it doesn't.

Our job is to convince Windows XP that we would really appreciate it if it would once again run DOS software. The following information is from the Microsoft site.

Unfortunatly this requires that you mess with the system files on your computer because Windows XP has screwed them up. Be extremely careful following these instructions.

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

NOTE: It has been suggested (with success) that you only do instructions 7 - 17. If you do stop at instruction 17 you will still have to reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.

In the followng instructions I assume that by "CD" Microsoft means the CD with Windows XP (or 2000 or NT) on it.

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.


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