loading older software

[Guest]

While using Windows ME, I had several older software programs that I used
almost daily. Now, these programs will not load. I get a 16 bit error saying
my programs are not compatible. Rather than spend several thousand dollars
for newer versions of these programs, tell me how I can load them, please.

Daryl

 

[Ricky]

See if this helps..
Error message when you install or start an MS-DOS or 16-bit Windows-based
program
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=324767

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Precisely what is the error message?
Have you tried installing in compatibility mode?

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Guest]

Hi Daryl and all,

I really need help with this as well. Below is the error message that I
receive on several old programs I used with Win98 for example Quicken 2002
specifically. Is says on the packaging that it is compatible for XP. Is the
same that you are getting? I am running XP Pro SP2 currently.

Exact Error Message:

Message Window Pop-Up:

16 bit Windows Subsystem

C:\windows\system32\autoexec.nt The system file is not suitable for running
MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows Applications. Choose "Close" to terminate the
application.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Tim,

The simplest method to resolve this common problem is to copy autoexec.nt
from C:\Windows\repair to C:\Windows\system32 and overwrite the one that is
currently there.

Alternately, you can create a new autoexec.nt file and save it to the
\windows\system32 folder to overwrite the corrupted one. Click start/run and
type notepad, then click ok. Copy/paste the below code into it (instead of
typing it in to prevent errors), then click file/"save as". Navigate to the
C:\Windows\system32 folder, change the "save as file" type to "all types"
and name the file autoexec.nt, then click save (if prompted to overwrite the
existing one, do so).

@echo off
lh %SystemRoot%\system32\mscdexnt.exe
lh %SystemRoot%\system32\redir
lh %SystemRoot%\system32\dosx
SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 P330 T3

Reboot when finished. This usually fixes it, but you will find further steps
here if it doesn't:

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

Basically, you will have to expand new copies of command.com, autoexec.nt,
and config.nt to the system32 folder from the WinXP CD or I386 folder on
your hard drive. Sometimes, you need to create new ones and overwrite the
existing ones - the method is described in the article.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Rodney Kelp]

Get an old computer or replace your harddrive and load Windows ME again.
What you should have done is load XP in a different directory and have a
dual boot system where you could load Windows ME when you need to run your
old crap.

 

[Guest]

Thanks so much Rick! I will surely try this, has been frustrating. You will
probably see a slew of Posts by me here on items I can't figure out on my own.