16 bit Subsystem

[David Toelkes]

I downloaded and installed the MS AnitSpyware beta a couple of days ago. I
ran a scan and removed everything the software identified as a problem.

Now, when I boot up, I get a message box titled "16 Bit Subsystem" that says
AUTOEXEC.NT is not suitable for running DOS or Windows Applications.

I am running XP Home (SP2).

Anyone know what is going on, and what I should do to fix it ?

 

[Jim Byrd]

Hi David - Try this fix, courtesy of MVP Kelly Theiriot:


"This installaton program will reinstall the missing or corrupt Windows XP
system files command.com, autoexec.nt and config.nt. The absence or
corruption of one or more of these files causes a "16 Bit Subsystem" error.

XP_Fix.EXE by TRF Systems, Inc.
http://www.visualtour.com/downloads/xp_fix.exe

More info here:

Error Message: MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_m.htm#16bit"


Then, courtesy of flrman1, here:
http://forums.techguy.org/archive/index.php/t-280212.html

"First in safe mode click on My Computer then click Tools > Folder Options.
In Folder options click on the View tab. Under Files and Folders tick "Show
hidden files and folders" then uncheck "Hide file extensions for known file
types" and uncheck "Hide protected operating system files (recommended)".
Now click "Like current folder" then "Apply" and "OK"

Now find and delete these files:

C:\WINNT\system\windupdate.exe (added by JB: note the spelling - the
added 'd')
C:\WINNT\system.css

Delete this folder:

c:\freescan

Also in safe mode navigate to the C:\Windows\Temp folder. Open the Temp
folder and go to Edit > Select All then Edit > Delete to delete the entire
contents of the Temp folder.

Go to Start > Run and type %temp% in the Run box. The Temp folder will open.
Click Edit > Select All then Edit > Delete to delete the entire contents of
the Temp folder.

Finally go to Control Panel > Internet Options. On the General tab under
"Temporary Internet Files" Click "Delete Files". Put a check by "Delete
Offline Content" and click OK. Click on the Programs tab then click the
"Reset Web Settings" button. Click Apply then OK.


Empty the Recycle Bin"


Run the fix file again after you're done w/the above.

--
Please respond in the same thread.
Regards, Jim Byrd, MS-MVP



In

 

[Guest]

Have you tried doing a system restore? I know that
doesn't explain what happened but it may stop the message
box from displaying each time you boot.

 

[Guest]

I have seen this problem twice and both times the
following has worked:

To resolve this issue: 1. Insert the Windows XP 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

If this doesn't work go to

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

 

[Bill Sanderson]

Thanks, folks! This thread illustrates one problem with virus or spyware
cleanup.

You can reverse the installation process of the malware, but you can't
necessarily reverse changes it has made to the OS and its settings

In this case, I'd hope this removal side-effect can be improved upon, but in
other cases the process might be more complex.

So--the best preventative would be to keep the stuff out--via the real-time
protection--in the first place.