1 big problem.

[Guest]

i'm tring to install a game on my windows xp but i get a window popup that
says the system file is not suitable for running ms-dos and microsoft windows
applications. and then gives me a choice to eihter close the window or
ignore it and i press ignore and the program doesn't run. this game worked
on my other computer that had windows 98. what can i do to makeit work

 

[Chris H.]

Most of the "older" games will run perfectly well on Windows XP. Some need
to use Compatibility Mode (details are in Help and Support), and this
TechNet article will help you:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/lgcyapps.mspx

Basically, what Compatibility Mode does is allow the older program to
"think" it is being installed on the operating system for which it was
designed. You also need to pay attention to the game's requirements, and
some need to be installed using Compatibility starting with the installation
itself by going to Start/Run/Browse and locating the install.exe or
setup.exe file on the root of the CD. You can right-click that file, follow
the pattern to use Compatibility Mode and have it install.

After the install, make sure to update the program from the web site of the
creator, then right-click the icon you'll use to launch the game and make
sure the proper Compatibility settings are ready. You also need to make
sure the proper display and color settings are selected.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -

 

[RobertVA]

Damaged or missing system file.

Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 324767

Error message when you install or start an MS-DOS or 16-bit
Windows-based program

This issue may occur if one or more of the following files are missing
or damaged:

* Config.nt
* Autoexec.nt
* Command.com

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767

 

[Paul Smith]

i'm tring to install a game on my windows xp but i get a window popup that
says the system file is not suitable for running ms-dos and microsoft
windows
applications. and then gives me a choice to eihter close the window or
ignore it and i press ignore and the program doesn't run. this game
worked
on my other computer that had windows 98. what can i do to makeit work

In addition to what Chris says it does sound a bit like the autoexec.nt
problem, if it does mention in the error message then check out:

http://windows.dasmirnov.net/troubleshooting/commonproblems.php#autoexec.nt

or

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=324767

--
Paul Smith,
Yeovil, UK.
http://www.dasmirnov.net/
http://windows.dasmirnov.net/ Windows XP Resource Site.

*Replace nospam with smirnov to reply by e-mail*