XP won't run16-bit database; MS fixes

[Guest]

I acquired a large complex database program this summer. I purchased an HP
Pavilion ze5700 notebook computer to run it on which it did, np problems. I
am primarily a Mac person. My Mac's Ethernet port was damaged recently
forcing me to press the HP into service for Internet usage. In the process of
using it, I updated Windows XP with SP 2.

Now the database refuses to open. I get a window headed: "16 bit Windows
Subsystem." In the window: "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."

There is a "Close" button and an "Ignore" button. Clicking Ignore has the
same result as Close. I found a proposed fix on a MS Help and Support page:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767

The cmd fix didn't work. the response to the first command : "Can't open
input file: d:\i386\config.nt_."

The fix using Notebook fails because Notebook keeps closing itself before I
can finish a single step.

Obviously, I valued the database enough to buy a computer exclusively to run
it. Must I reinstall the original XP system and henceforth avoid all updates?

 

[Ramesh [MVP]]

Copy autoexec.NT from C:\Windows\Repair folder to C:\Windows\System32 (as per MVP Alex Nichol's advice). Also, clean the trojan which is deleting this file from the system.

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

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org


I acquired a large complex database program this summer. I purchased an HP
Pavilion ze5700 notebook computer to run it on which it did, np problems. I
am primarily a Mac person. My Mac's Ethernet port was damaged recently
forcing me to press the HP into service for Internet usage. In the process of
using it, I updated Windows XP with SP 2.

Now the database refuses to open. I get a window headed: "16 bit Windows
Subsystem." In the window: "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."

There is a "Close" button and an "Ignore" button. Clicking Ignore has the
same result as Close. I found a proposed fix on a MS Help and Support page:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767

The cmd fix didn't work. the response to the first command : "Can't open
input file: d:\i386\config.nt_."

The fix using Notebook fails because Notebook keeps closing itself before I
can finish a single step.

Obviously, I valued the database enough to buy a computer exclusively to run
it. Must I reinstall the original XP system and henceforth avoid all updates?

 

[Guest]

I should remove the Trojan first, I presume? I have run Norton Anti-Virus,
latest version. That stll leaves me with nearly 300 Adware files that it
can't delete. Is there another way to be sure?

 

[Ramesh [MVP]]

Run a scan from Safe Mode with fully updated anti-virus reference files. Additionally, run a scan with Ad-aware, SpyBot and CWShredder. Update Ad-aware, SpyBot while in Normal mode. Restart Windows in Safe Mode to successfully scan and remove ad-ware, trojan etc.

How to safe-guard my system from spyware?:
http://www.winxptutor.com/antispy.htm

The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php

Get a copy of Autoruns tool (latest version allows managing the Startup locations for other user profiles.
How to manage Windows Startup?: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/startup.htm

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org


I should remove the Trojan first, I presume? I have run Norton Anti-Virus,
latest version. That stll leaves me with nearly 300 Adware files that it
can't delete. Is there another way to be sure?