16 bit Windows subsystem error message when installing some progra

[Guest]

Win XP Home edition on a Dell P4 (well past warranty expiration)

When attempting to install Quicken 2002 that came with the computer (and
during install of Casino [game]), I get the following error message:

------------------------------
16 bit Windows subsystem

An application has attempted to load a 16-bit DOS device driver, which
cannot be supported. This may cause the application to function incorrectly.
Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
-------------------------------

Both CDs appear to be brand new and scratch-free.

Choosing 'close or 'ignore' button makes no difference -- install process
seems to abort either way.

Other programs (e.g., Medal of Honor) install just fine from this CD drive.
No other problems with the CD drive.

Tried the fix at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767
(problem sounded similar), but got the following messages when trying to
expand the boot files:

Can't open input file: e:\i386\config.nt.

Tried the fix after that (per help instructions) by writing a new
autoexec.nt and Config.nt file, but not sure if I understood the
instructions. I typed the lines for Autoexec.nt verbatim, but could not
locate a "%SYSTEMROOT%\system32" folder to copy them to. It's been a while
since I typed in DOS commands. Does "%SYSTEMROOT%" mean I was supposed to
type "c:" (my root drive) in the lines in those spaces? I typed them exactly
as presented ("%SYSTEMROOT%\system32").

I'm just about ready to buy a brand new hard drive, install XP fresh,
transfer all my files and settings and then wipe this drive clean (does one
use fdisk and format in Win XP?) to use for a backup drive, but that might
take days.

Any ideas out there?

 

[Patti MacLeod]

Hi Bass Boogie,

Have a look at the information here:
MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program Error Message
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_m.htm#16bit


The %SYSTEMROOT% folder is the folder in which Windows is installed, usually
C:\Windows but in some situations (when having upgraded from WIN2K, for
example) it might be C:\WINNT



Regards,

 

[Guest]

OK, I tried the method suggested several times and re-tried the method from
the Microsoft webpage (noted below) again, using the Windows install CD.
Both methods indicated that the files were successfully replaced. Also
scanned the drive and the registry for windupdate entries. Found one in the
registry and deleted it.

The problem remains the same.

Any other ideas? I should also note that, for some unexplained reason, when
I attempt to scan the drive for errors, the process is unable to complete
itself.

Might it help to try re-installing XP over the current installation? OR
could that make matters worse?

Hi Bass Boogie,

Have a look at the information here:
MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program Error Message
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_m.htm#16bit


The %SYSTEMROOT% folder is the folder in which Windows is installed, usually
C:\Windows but in some situations (when having upgraded from WIN2K, for
example) it might be C:\WINNT



Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

Win XP Home edition on a Dell P4 (well past warranty expiration)

When attempting to install Quicken 2002 that came with the computer (and
during install of Casino [game]), I get the following error message:

------------------------------
16 bit Windows subsystem

An application has attempted to load a 16-bit DOS device driver, which
cannot be supported. This may cause the application to function incorrectly.
Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
-------------------------------

Both CDs appear to be brand new and scratch-free.

Choosing 'close or 'ignore' button makes no difference -- install process
seems to abort either way.

Other programs (e.g., Medal of Honor) install just fine from this CD drive.
No other problems with the CD drive.

Tried the fix at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767
(problem sounded similar), but got the following messages when trying to
expand the boot files:

Can't open input file: e:\i386\config.nt.

Tried the fix after that (per help instructions) by writing a new
autoexec.nt and Config.nt file, but not sure if I understood the
instructions. I typed the lines for Autoexec.nt verbatim, but could not
locate a "%SYSTEMROOT%\system32" folder to copy them to. It's been a while
since I typed in DOS commands. Does "%SYSTEMROOT%" mean I was supposed to
type "c:" (my root drive) in the lines in those spaces? I typed them exactly
as presented ("%SYSTEMROOT%\system32").

I'm just about ready to buy a brand new hard drive, install XP fresh,
transfer all my files and settings and then wipe this drive clean (does one
use fdisk and format in Win XP?) to use for a backup drive, but that might
take days.

Any ideas out there?

 

[Patti MacLeod]

When you mention scanning the drive for errors, are you referring to running
SFC /SCANNOW or running Chkdsk (AKA Error-checking tool)? Do you receive any
error messages when it does not complete itself?

If the 16 bit Windows subsystem problem that you are incurring is due to
virus/trojan or other malware activity (eg., spyware), then reinstalling XP
would more than likely make matters worse. You may want to ensure that your
virus scanner is updated and run a full system scan with it..........and,
perhaps, run a free online scan for a "second opinion". You might also like
to have a look at "The Parasite Fight" here:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm



Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

OK, I tried the method suggested several times and re-tried the method from
the Microsoft webpage (noted below) again, using the Windows install CD.
Both methods indicated that the files were successfully replaced. Also
scanned the drive and the registry for windupdate entries. Found one in the
registry and deleted it.

The problem remains the same.

Any other ideas? I should also note that, for some unexplained reason, when
I attempt to scan the drive for errors, the process is unable to complete
itself.

Might it help to try re-installing XP over the current installation? OR
could that make matters worse?

Hi Bass Boogie,

Have a look at the information here:
MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program Error Message
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_m.htm#16bit


The %SYSTEMROOT% folder is the folder in which Windows is installed, usually
C:\Windows but in some situations (when having upgraded from WIN2K, for
example) it might be C:\WINNT



Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

Win XP Home edition on a Dell P4 (well past warranty expiration)

When attempting to install Quicken 2002 that came with the computer (and
during install of Casino [game]), I get the following error message:

------------------------------
16 bit Windows subsystem

An application has attempted to load a 16-bit DOS device driver, which
cannot be supported. This may cause the application to function incorrectly.
Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
-------------------------------

Both CDs appear to be brand new and scratch-free.

Choosing 'close or 'ignore' button makes no difference -- install process
seems to abort either way.

Other programs (e.g., Medal of Honor) install just fine from this CD drive.
No other problems with the CD drive.

Tried the fix at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767
(problem sounded similar), but got the following messages when trying to
expand the boot files:

Can't open input file: e:\i386\config.nt.

Tried the fix after that (per help instructions) by writing a new
autoexec.nt and Config.nt file, but not sure if I understood the
instructions. I typed the lines for Autoexec.nt verbatim, but could not
locate a "%SYSTEMROOT%\system32" folder to copy them to. It's been a while
since I typed in DOS commands. Does "%SYSTEMROOT%" mean I was supposed to
type "c:" (my root drive) in the lines in those spaces? I typed them exactly
as presented ("%SYSTEMROOT%\system32").

I'm just about ready to buy a brand new hard drive, install XP fresh,
transfer all my files and settings and then wipe this drive clean

(does
one

use fdisk and format in Win XP?) to use for a backup drive, but that might
take days.

Any ideas out there?

 

[Guest]

For error-checking, I just right-click on the C: drive in explorer, go to
Properties, then Tools, then Error-checking. I'm not sure which disc scan
program is run by using this tool. At the end of "Phase 1", I get the
following error message:

"Windows was unable to complete the disk check"

I'm using Adaware and Hotbot for spyware protection and McAfee for virus
protection. I do still have Kazaa installed (haven't used it for months),
which carries at least one spyware component. Removal of the spyware
reportedly causes Kazaa to malfunction, so I've left it. No other
spyware/malware detected, as I recall.

I'll take a look at the link you suggested.

When you mention scanning the drive for errors, are you referring to running
SFC /SCANNOW or running Chkdsk (AKA Error-checking tool)? Do you receive any
error messages when it does not complete itself?

If the 16 bit Windows subsystem problem that you are incurring is due to
virus/trojan or other malware activity (eg., spyware), then reinstalling XP
would more than likely make matters worse. You may want to ensure that your
virus scanner is updated and run a full system scan with it..........and,
perhaps, run a free online scan for a "second opinion". You might also like
to have a look at "The Parasite Fight" here:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm



Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

OK, I tried the method suggested several times and re-tried the method from
the Microsoft webpage (noted below) again, using the Windows install CD.
Both methods indicated that the files were successfully replaced. Also
scanned the drive and the registry for windupdate entries. Found one in the
registry and deleted it.

The problem remains the same.

Any other ideas? I should also note that, for some unexplained reason, when
I attempt to scan the drive for errors, the process is unable to complete
itself.

Might it help to try re-installing XP over the current installation? OR
could that make matters worse?

Hi Bass Boogie,

Have a look at the information here:
MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program Error Message
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_m.htm#16bit


The %SYSTEMROOT% folder is the folder in which Windows is installed, usually
C:\Windows but in some situations (when having upgraded from WIN2K, for
example) it might be C:\WINNT



Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

Win XP Home edition on a Dell P4 (well past warranty expiration)

When attempting to install Quicken 2002 that came with the computer (and
during install of Casino [game]), I get the following error message:

------------------------------
16 bit Windows subsystem

An application has attempted to load a 16-bit DOS device driver, which
cannot be supported. This may cause the application to function
incorrectly.
Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
-------------------------------

Both CDs appear to be brand new and scratch-free.

Choosing 'close or 'ignore' button makes no difference -- install process
seems to abort either way.

Other programs (e.g., Medal of Honor) install just fine from this CD
drive.
No other problems with the CD drive.

Tried the fix at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767
(problem sounded similar), but got the following messages when trying to
expand the boot files:

Can't open input file: e:\i386\config.nt.

Tried the fix after that (per help instructions) by writing a new
autoexec.nt and Config.nt file, but not sure if I understood the
instructions. I typed the lines for Autoexec.nt verbatim, but could not
locate a "%SYSTEMROOT%\system32" folder to copy them to. It's been a
while
since I typed in DOS commands. Does "%SYSTEMROOT%" mean I was supposed to
type "c:" (my root drive) in the lines in those spaces? I typed them
exactly
as presented ("%SYSTEMROOT%\system32").

I'm just about ready to buy a brand new hard drive, install XP fresh,
transfer all my files and settings and then wipe this drive clean (does
one
use fdisk and format in Win XP?) to use for a backup drive, but that might
take days.

Any ideas out there?

 

[Guest]

Correction: I meant SPYBOT, not "Hotbot" regarding spyware detection

For error-checking, I just right-click on the C: drive in explorer, go to
Properties, then Tools, then Error-checking. I'm not sure which disc scan
program is run by using this tool. At the end of "Phase 1", I get the
following error message:

"Windows was unable to complete the disk check"

I'm using Adaware and Hotbot for spyware protection and McAfee for virus
protection. I do still have Kazaa installed (haven't used it for months),
which carries at least one spyware component. Removal of the spyware
reportedly causes Kazaa to malfunction, so I've left it. No other
spyware/malware detected, as I recall.

I'll take a look at the link you suggested.

When you mention scanning the drive for errors, are you referring to running
SFC /SCANNOW or running Chkdsk (AKA Error-checking tool)? Do you receive any
error messages when it does not complete itself?

If the 16 bit Windows subsystem problem that you are incurring is due to
virus/trojan or other malware activity (eg., spyware), then reinstalling XP
would more than likely make matters worse. You may want to ensure that your
virus scanner is updated and run a full system scan with it..........and,
perhaps, run a free online scan for a "second opinion". You might also like
to have a look at "The Parasite Fight" here:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm



Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

OK, I tried the method suggested several times and re-tried the method from
the Microsoft webpage (noted below) again, using the Windows install CD.
Both methods indicated that the files were successfully replaced. Also
scanned the drive and the registry for windupdate entries. Found one in the
registry and deleted it.

The problem remains the same.

Any other ideas? I should also note that, for some unexplained reason, when
I attempt to scan the drive for errors, the process is unable to complete
itself.

Might it help to try re-installing XP over the current installation? OR
could that make matters worse?

:

Hi Bass Boogie,

Have a look at the information here:
MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program Error Message
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_m.htm#16bit


The %SYSTEMROOT% folder is the folder in which Windows is installed, usually
C:\Windows but in some situations (when having upgraded from WIN2K, for
example) it might be C:\WINNT



Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

Win XP Home edition on a Dell P4 (well past warranty expiration)

When attempting to install Quicken 2002 that came with the computer (and
during install of Casino [game]), I get the following error message:

------------------------------
16 bit Windows subsystem

An application has attempted to load a 16-bit DOS device driver, which
cannot be supported. This may cause the application to function
incorrectly.
Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
-------------------------------

Both CDs appear to be brand new and scratch-free.

Choosing 'close or 'ignore' button makes no difference -- install process
seems to abort either way.

Other programs (e.g., Medal of Honor) install just fine from this CD
drive.
No other problems with the CD drive.

Tried the fix at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767
(problem sounded similar), but got the following messages when trying to
expand the boot files:

Can't open input file: e:\i386\config.nt.

Tried the fix after that (per help instructions) by writing a new
autoexec.nt and Config.nt file, but not sure if I understood the
instructions. I typed the lines for Autoexec.nt verbatim, but could not
locate a "%SYSTEMROOT%\system32" folder to copy them to. It's been a
while
since I typed in DOS commands. Does "%SYSTEMROOT%" mean I was supposed to
type "c:" (my root drive) in the lines in those spaces? I typed them
exactly
as presented ("%SYSTEMROOT%\system32").

I'm just about ready to buy a brand new hard drive, install XP fresh,
transfer all my files and settings and then wipe this drive clean (does
one
use fdisk and format in Win XP?) to use for a backup drive, but that might
take days.

Any ideas out there?

 

[Patti MacLeod]

You are running chkdsk (AKA Error-checking tool) when running that tool. Try
running it again, but this time, select one or both of the two Check disk
options (i.e., Automatically fix file system errors and Scan for and attempt
recovery of bad sectors), and respond Yes to the dialogue box that will ask
you whether you want to schedule the disk check at the next startup.



Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

For error-checking, I just right-click on the C: drive in explorer, go to
Properties, then Tools, then Error-checking. I'm not sure which disc scan
program is run by using this tool. At the end of "Phase 1", I get the
following error message:

"Windows was unable to complete the disk check"

I'm using Adaware and Hotbot for spyware protection and McAfee for virus
protection. I do still have Kazaa installed (haven't used it for months),
which carries at least one spyware component. Removal of the spyware
reportedly causes Kazaa to malfunction, so I've left it. No other
spyware/malware detected, as I recall.

I'll take a look at the link you suggested.

When you mention scanning the drive for errors, are you referring to running
SFC /SCANNOW or running Chkdsk (AKA Error-checking tool)? Do you receive any
error messages when it does not complete itself?

If the 16 bit Windows subsystem problem that you are incurring is due to
virus/trojan or other malware activity (eg., spyware), then reinstalling XP
would more than likely make matters worse. You may want to ensure that your
virus scanner is updated and run a full system scan with it..........and,
perhaps, run a free online scan for a "second opinion". You might also like
to have a look at "The Parasite Fight" here:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm



Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

OK, I tried the method suggested several times and re-tried the method from
the Microsoft webpage (noted below) again, using the Windows install CD.
Both methods indicated that the files were successfully replaced. Also
scanned the drive and the registry for windupdate entries. Found one

in
the

registry and deleted it.

The problem remains the same.

Any other ideas? I should also note that, for some unexplained

reason,
when

I attempt to scan the drive for errors, the process is unable to complete
itself.

Might it help to try re-installing XP over the current installation? OR
could that make matters worse?

:

Hi Bass Boogie,

Have a look at the information here:
MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based program Error Message
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_m.htm#16bit


The %SYSTEMROOT% folder is the folder in which Windows is installed, usually
C:\Windows but in some situations (when having upgraded from WIN2K, for
example) it might be C:\WINNT



Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

Win XP Home edition on a Dell P4 (well past warranty expiration)

When attempting to install Quicken 2002 that came with the

computer
(and

during install of Casino [game]), I get the following error message:

------------------------------
16 bit Windows subsystem

An application has attempted to load a 16-bit DOS device driver, which
cannot be supported. This may cause the application to function
incorrectly.
Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
-------------------------------

Both CDs appear to be brand new and scratch-free.

Choosing 'close or 'ignore' button makes no difference -- install process
seems to abort either way.

Other programs (e.g., Medal of Honor) install just fine from this CD
drive.
No other problems with the CD drive.

Tried the fix at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767
(problem sounded similar), but got the following messages when

trying
to

expand the boot files:

Can't open input file: e:\i386\config.nt.

Tried the fix after that (per help instructions) by writing a new
autoexec.nt and Config.nt file, but not sure if I understood the
instructions. I typed the lines for Autoexec.nt verbatim, but

could
not

locate a "%SYSTEMROOT%\system32" folder to copy them to. It's been a
while
since I typed in DOS commands. Does "%SYSTEMROOT%" mean I was supposed to
type "c:" (my root drive) in the lines in those spaces? I typed them
exactly
as presented ("%SYSTEMROOT%\system32").

I'm just about ready to buy a brand new hard drive, install XP fresh,
transfer all my files and settings and then wipe this drive clean (does
one
use fdisk and format in Win XP?) to use for a backup drive, but

that
might

take days.

Any ideas out there?