HELP: with old DOS programs

[bobo]

I have 3 old DOS programs that have been messed up by something.
There is a file named: AUTOEXEC.NT which resides in (Windows\system32)
which runs these files, I think. When I boot my machine, something is
deleting this file. I have to reinstall it in order for the programs
to run. I use XP_fix.exe to fix the problem. Any ideas on how to fix
the problem permanently?
Bob K.
PS I am running Windows XP business.

 

[Guest]

The file autoexec.nt is usually moved to the c:\windows\repair folder. The
MS-DOS or other 16-bit programs will start working if you copy or move it
back to the the \windows\system32 folder. If the problem occurs frequently,
as it does to me, you can copy the autoexec.nt folder to the desktop and also
create a shortcut to the \system32 folder on the desktop. Simply drag and
drop or right-drag and copy the file to the shortcut to the \system32 folder
and the program will work fine.

I am still trying to figure out what causes the problem in the first place
and how to prevent it, if at all. Can anyone help me?

Also, does anyone know how to run old DOS games like Quake (the original)
and Descent in XP?

rajwin69

 

[beer lover]

I have 3 old DOS programs that have been messed up by something.
There is a file named: AUTOEXEC.NT which resides in (Windows\system32)
which runs these files, I think. When I boot my machine, something is
deleting this file. I have to reinstall it in order for the programs
to run. I use XP_fix.exe to fix the problem. Any ideas on how to fix
the problem permanently?
Bob K.
PS I am running Windows XP business.

This is copied from kellys korners site about this subject.
You also want to look for the file "windupdate.exe" (note the spelling
closely -- the 'd') and if you find it anywhere on your hard drive, delete
it! This is a secondary problem and you are not very likely to find this
file. But if you have it, it actually deletes the autoexec.nt file each time
you start your PC, so even if you restore the file, it will get deleted
again! If you want to read it yourself, go to,
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_m.htm#16bit
make sure you scroll down and read the whole thing.

 

[Rick S]

Try right clicking on the old dos program and click on compatabilty and
select a different mode to try it in.

 

[bobo]

Tried to follow your instructions on the AUTOEXEC.NT file, but
couldn't get it to work. I copied the file to the desk top and
created a shortcut to the system 32 folder. This did nothing, because
when I shut the machine down, the AUTOEXEC.NET file dissappeared.
When I rebooted the file was gone out of System 32. Is there
something I am doing wrong?
Somewhere on my machine is a file that wipes this AUTOEXEC.NET
FILE out. Don't know where it is or what it is, it is a mystery.
Bob K.

 

[bobo]

I was running the programs in Win 95, so I tried all the modes, no
good didn't work, because the file has been deleted from the system 32
folder. Thanks for the tryi anyway, I am willing to try anything.
A thought just accored to me, I have a light over my kitchen
sink that is on a plug and power system timer, and this has become
inopertive along with the DOS programs. I was just wondering if this
machine is operating under DOS. I think maybe it has to do with the
electrical wiring, somehow the computer is messing this up through the
wiring system. O well its back to the drawing board.
Thanks a lot,
Bob K.

 

[Rick S]

Hope you get it sorted out. Might try another power outlet.

 

[bobo]

I have tried that several times. I have moved the controller to
different rooms in the house. Still doesn't work.
Bob K.

 

[Guest]

I am trying to run several old DOS programs on my XP system, and all that
happens is that a DOS shell window opens for a second, and then immediately
closes again. I've been through all the choices in the "compatibility"
wizard, and the suggestion about the <autoexec.nt> file. Still no go. Any
other suggestions?
Jack
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

I am trying to run several old DOS programs on my XP system, and all
that happens is that a DOS shell window opens for a second, and then
immediately closes again. I've been through all the choices in the
"compatibility" wizard, and the suggestion about the <autoexec.nt>
file. Still no go. Any other suggestions?
Jack

That so-called shell is the Command prompt, which is really a dos emulator.

Be aware of a few things, (1) your dos apps cannot address the hardware devices directly, (2) nor can they use real-mode
drivers. "Real mode dos" programs cannot run in XP.

It's easier to have shortcuts to your dos-app executable & then run it by clicking on that shortcut.

Look up in XP's Help and Support Center, in its search box:
"Set up two shortcuts for an MS-DOS program "
"Create or change a PIF"

Also, while in there , lookup the related topics.

And remember: XP (just like rest of NT family) does not use Config.sys / autoexec.bat;
but does use Config.NT / Autoexec.NT, located at (in \windows\system32 or yours may
be at \winnt\system32 ).

Try running the program in the (alternate) 16-bit dos emulator ----via
Command.com ---
Start | Run | type Command.com <enter>

then try running your program.

Running Nonnative Applications in Windows 2000 Professional (applies to XP as well)
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/.../professional/reskit/en-us/part8/proch36.mspx

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

I am trying to run several old DOS programs on my XP system, and all
that happens is that a DOS shell window opens for a second, and then
immediately closes again. I've been through all the choices in the
"compatibility" wizard, and the suggestion about the <autoexec.nt>
file. Still no go. Any other suggestions?
Jack

That so-called shell is the Command prompt, which is really a dos emulator.

Be aware of a few things, (1) your dos apps cannot address the hardware devices directly, (2) nor can they use real-mode
drivers. "Real mode dos" programs cannot run in XP.

It's easier to have shortcuts to your dos-app executable & then run it by clicking on that shortcut.

Look up in XP's Help and Support Center, in its search box:
"Set up two shortcuts for an MS-DOS program "
"Create or change a PIF"

Also, while in there , lookup the related topics.

And remember: XP (just like rest of NT family) does not use Config.sys / autoexec.bat;
but does use Config.NT / Autoexec.NT, located at (in \windows\system32 or yours may
be at \winnt\system32 ).

Try running the program in the (alternate) 16-bit dos emulator ----via
Command.com ---
Start | Run | type Command.com <enter>

then try running your program.

Running Nonnative Applications in Windows 2000 Professional (applies to XP as well)
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/.../professional/reskit/en-us/part8/proch36.mspx

 

[Guest]

Maurice,

Thanks for the input. Your "Command.com" suggestion did call up the DOS
screen, but when I tried to run my DOS programs I got "runtime error R6009 -
not enough space for environment." I have already set buffers to 5. Don't
know what else.

You suggested > It's easier to have shortcuts to your dos-app executable &
then run it by clicking on that shortcut.> Same problem. I set up a
shortcut and click it--the DOS window opens and immediately closes.

I have looked up your suggestionabout the "Nonnative Applications" website.
It looks promising, but I'll need time to read and experiment. (This is
one of the many reasons Window users hate Windows and all the hassle caused
by upgrades!!!)

I thank you for your help.

Jack

 

[Zilbandy]

Do a search for a program called DOSBox. It simulates a dos
environment for games. There's a list of supported games there, too.
It's not the most pleasant thing to set up, but it might solve your
problem.

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

Maurice,

Thanks for the input. Your "Command.com" suggestion did call up the
DOS screen, but when I tried to run my DOS programs I got "runtime
error R6009 - not enough space for environment." I have already set
buffers to 5. Don't know what else.

You suggested > It's easier to have shortcuts to your dos-app
executable & then run it by clicking on that shortcut.> Same
problem. I set up a shortcut and click it--the DOS window opens and
immediately closes.

I have looked up your suggestionabout the "Nonnative Applications"
website. It looks promising, but I'll need time to read and
experiment. (This is one of the many reasons Window users hate
Windows and all the hassle caused by upgrades!!!)

I thank you for your help.

Jack

Use Notepad to look at the contents of your Config.NT file.
It should have entries like these

dos=high, umb
device=%SystemRoot%\system32\himem.sys

files=40


Windows XP does not use the "Buffers" entry. It is accepted only for compatibility with MS-DOS programs.
You can bump up the Files= entry in Config.NT