[referee07]

I think my Command.com file is contaminated. When I was trying to fix the "16-Bit Subsystem" thing, I was advised to make sure the Command.com settings were correct. When I tried to click on the Command.com icon, I got the "16-Bit Subsystem" message and it wouldn't open. Could command.com be causing the "16-Bit Subsystem" error or visa versa? Thanks.

[prowler351]

it should open into a dos prompt.i could send you a copy of mine via e-mail.

[referee07]

Prowler, thanks. A copy would be good. Also, what is the prompt?

[referee07]

The question I have is this: why it won't run when I go to "run" and type in "command.com?" This is when I get the message, "17-Bit MS DOS Subsystem."

[pileyrei]

Is the error message you get?

Symptom:
After installing certain programs on your computer, one of the following error messages may appear:


"16 bit MS-DOS Subsystem: <drive>:\<program path><XXXX>. An installable Virtual Device Driver failed DLL initialization. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application."

OR

"16 bit MS-DOS Subsystem <drive>:\<program path>SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\VirtualDeviceDrivers. VDD. Virtual Device driver format in the registry is invalid. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application."

If so: here is your solution: a bit long i'm afraid:

Cause:

This issue occurs most often after you install a 16-bit program or a program that uses a 16-bit installation program. The following registry value becomes corrupted:


HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\VirtualDeviceDrivers\VD D

Solution:

This resolution involves making changes to the Registry.
Click on the Start button on the taskbar and click on Run.

At the Open prompt, type in regedt32.exe and click on the OK button or press the Enter key.

In the Registry Editor, click to select the HKEY_LOCAL_Machine on Local Machine window.

Navigate by double-clicking on the plus (+) sign folders to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\VirtualDeviceDrivers.

Click on the VDD key in the right pane to highlight the value, then click on the Edit menu and click on Delete.

IMPORTANT! If you do not see the VDD value in the right pane, try browsing to the same key using the REGEDIT Registry Editor. If you are able to see the value in there, then delete it using REGEDIT. Be advised that when re-adding the value in the following steps, you MUST use REGEDT32.


When prompted to confirm the deletion, click on the Yes button.
Click on the Edit menu and then click on Add Value.
In the Value Name field, type in VDD.
Click on the drop down arrow next to Data Type, click to select REG_MULTI_SZ and then click on the OK button.
When the Multi-String Editor appears, leave this entry blank and then click on the OK button.
Click on the Registry menu and click on Exit. (Note: Changes will be saved automatically upon exiting the Registry Editor.)


Hope this helps!

Pileyrei

[referee07]

Pileyrei, when I used regedt32.exe I got to Virtual Device Drivers I clicked on VDD but there was no value in the box shown. I then tried to "run" regedit and got to the same screen and when I clicked on VDD there was no value in the box.

[referee07]

Also, when I tried to open command.com I get the same "16-Bit MS-DOS Subsystem" error message.

[pileyrei]

Originally posted by referee07:
Pileyrei, when I used regedt32.exe I got to Virtual Device Drivers I clicked on VDD but there was no value in the box shown. I then tried to "run" regedit and got to the same screen and when I clicked on VDD there was no value in the box.

Hmmmm, strange...I've had no problems removing the value before. Either way you delete the VDD key and replace it as shown in the instructions.

I'll let you know if I find anything else out.

Pileyrei

[referee07]

I still don't see why I would see the "16-Bit MS DOS Subsystem" error message when I try to open Command.com? I don't know too much about files and things like that but it appears to me that somehow the Command.com file has been damaged.

Also, I clicked on your "Affero" and got an error message?

Thanks again.

[referee07]

What should the VDD value be?

[referee07]

Is there an "easy," relatively fool-proof way to fix windows? I noticed whan I tried to Add or Remove Windows Programs in Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel, I got a message that the file could not be found?? Maybe I need to reinstall windows to get all of the files working but I don't want to do something that may really mess up my computer.

[prowler351]

send me your e-mail and ill send you comand.com. or you may be able to find it for download in a google search. just make a copy of your current one and stick it some where first. you may need to go into windows safe mode to replace the old one to the new one.

[pileyrei]

Originally posted by referee07:
I still don't see why I would see the "16-Bit MS DOS Subsystem" error message when I try to open Command.com? I don't know too much about files and things like that but it appears to me that somehow the Command.com file has been damaged.

Also, I clicked on your "Affero" and got an error message?

Thanks again.

Hi Referee

Sorry for not replying sooner, its been a bit hectic at work for me.

I dont understand the problem entirely myself but I do know using the fix provided has always worked for me. I have seen a pc that could not use its command function with the same error.

Do try a new command.com from the other who kindly offered to send it to you.

Or, if you have a dsl connection or higher I'm happy to meet up online and connect to your pc and help troubleshoot further.

Just let me know!

also, what error message did u get when click my affero? Maybe I didnt set it up right?

Regards

Pileyrei

[referee07]

This is what I get when I click on your affero:
ratings::init() URL 'r' argument is not a valid user.

Yesterday I popped $59.95 for PcBugDoctor which may care for bugs but did nothing to fix the (16-Bit Subsystem...) problem I am having with my computer. Maybe it's something I will have to live with until I discover how to solve the mystery. Anyway, thanks for the help.