How do you open 16-bit files on Windows XP?

[Brooks Golden]

Better yet, can you open 16-bit files on Windows XP? I have never
been able to. I always get this same error message:

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.

I searched the Microsoft Help and Support website and found the exact
help article I was looking for (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/
324767). I tried everything it told me to do and none of it worked;
any 16-bit setup files or other 16-bit files I have still won't open.
Clearly, this help article suggests you should be able to run 16-bit
files on Windows XP but I can't. Does anyone have a little more
insight or maybe a solution to this?

 

[Bullwinkle]

Better yet, can you open 16-bit files on Windows XP? I have never
been able to. I always get this same error message:

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.

I searched the Microsoft Help and Support website and found the exact
help article I was looking for (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/
324767). I tried everything it told me to do and none of it worked;
any 16-bit setup files or other 16-bit files I have still won't open.
Clearly, this help article suggests you should be able to run 16-bit
files on Windows XP but I can't. Does anyone have a little more
insight or maybe a solution to this?

Go and right click on the program icon. Then click on "Properties" Then
click on "compatibility". Then click on the sub-menu to check on Windows 95.
Then click on apply the "ok" everything and you should be all set.

Good luck and regards,

 

[Wesley Vogel]

This can be caused by a trojan/virus/worm.

Get rid of the trojan/virus/worm.

Update your antivirus software and run a full system scan.

Update whatever anti-spyware applications that you have and run a full
system scan with each one.

Copy the autoexec.nt file from C:\Windows\Repair to C:\Windows\System32
And set Attributes for autoexec.nt to Read-only.

Or %systemroot%\Repair to %systemroot%\System32

Copy the config.nt file from C:\Windows\Repair to C:\Windows\System32
And set Attributes for config.nt to Read-only.

Or %systemroot%\Repair to %systemroot%\System32

Read-only
[[Specifies whether this file is read-only, which means that it cannot be
changed or accidentally deleted.]]

1. Right click the file.
2. Properties.
3. Select: Read-only.
4. Click: Apply.
5. Click: OK.

16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem error while installing or running a DOS application
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/16bit.htm

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

Error message when you install or start an MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based
program
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324767

"16 Bit MS-DOS Subsystem" Error Message When You Install a Program
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314452

Troubleshooting MS-DOS-based programs in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314106

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In