NTVDM error message prevents opening legacy software

[Guest]

Running XPPRO 2, when I try to open a legacy Windows 3.1 program I get an
error message that prevents opening it. My program (a simple address book)
has previously run OK under XP. Error message is:

"NTVDM.EXE has encountered a problem and needs to close."

When I exit that error message it also closes the Windows 3.1 compatible
program.

 

[Wesley Vogel]

NTVDM.EXE is the NT Virtual Dos Machine. NTVDM.EXE and wowexec.exe run for
old 16 bit programs.

NTVDM.EXE may be corrupt.

Try this.

Click Start | Click Run | Type: system32 | Click OK |
Scroll down to NTVDM.EXE and drag it to your Desktop |
Wait a little bit and scroll clear down to the bottom of System32 |
There should be a new NTVDM.EXE.

If there is, close System32 and delete the NTVDM.EXE from your Desktop.

Windows File Protection replaced the NTVDM.EXE file.

You can verify this by opening the Event Viewer...
Start | Run | Type: eventvwr | Click OK |
Click on System and look for Windows File Protection.

There should be a message similar to this:

Event Type: Information
Event Source: Windows File Protection
Event Category: None
Event ID: 64002
Date: 26-Jul-06
Time: 2:19:30 PM
User: N/A
Computer: MYPENTIUM450
Description:
File replacement was attempted on the protected system file
c:\windows\system32\ntvdm.exe. This file was restored to the original
version to maintain system stability. The file version of the system file is
5.1.2600.1564.

If there is *NOT* a new NTVDM.EXE in System32, drag the one from the Desktop
back into System32 and post back. We'll see about expanding a new one.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[Guest]

Many thanks, Wesley. Former NTVDM.EXE is on desk top and was replaced with
another in System 32. Properties of both are identical, eg.,
ver.5.1.2600.2180, Modified 08/04/2004. Error still appears when I try to
open Win 3.1 Addressbook 4,modified October 7/ 1996. I note that I can run
the program if I do not close the
NTVDM.EXE notice and note further that somewhere in my computer I have saved
a newer version of it. What should I do next?

 

[Wesley Vogel]

I honestly do not know.

What happens if you open the program from a command prompt?

Start | Run | Type: cmd | Click OK |

Type the path and the name of the program.

Also try this.

From...
Chris Hassler

<quote>
My blurb:

Most of the "older" programs will run perfectly well on Windows XP. Some
need to use Compatibility Mode (details are in Help and Support), and this
TechNet article will help you:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/lgcyapps.mspx

Basically, what Compatibility Mode does is allow the older program to
"think" it is being installed on the operating system for which it was
designed. You also need to pay attention to the program's requirements,
and some need to be installed using Compatibility starting with the
installation itself by going to Start/Run/Browse and locating the
install.exe or setup.exe file on the root of the CD. You can right-click
that file, follow the pattern to use Compatibility Mode and have it install.

After the install, make sure to update the program from the web site of the
creator, then right-click the icon you'll use to launch the program and make
sure the proper Compatibility settings are ready. You also need to make
sure the proper display and color settings are selected.
<quote>

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In