16 bit windows subsystem error when running older programs

[PhiSigGirl]

When I attempt to run older programs not specifically made for windows XP I have recently started receiving the following error when I try to install:

16 bit Windows Subsystem

c:\Windows\System32\autoexec.nt. This system file is not suitable for running MS-Dos and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.


Then there are 2 buttons, one says 'close' the other 'ignore'. Both terminate the installation or the running of the program. I don't think it is an issue with the games, as there is at least one I could run before but cannot run now.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 1 (2600.xpsp2_gdr.040517-1325)
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.20GHz, ~2.2GHz
Memory: 254MB RAM

 

[dogbonz]

Hi PhiSigGirl,

One thing you can TRY... Right click on the old
programs "exe" file. Choose "run as". Then pick
Windows 95 (or 98).

That might work.

 

[Augie65]

Right click on the program, properties, compatibility tab, place a check by box:
Run this program in compatibility mode for: and on the drop down,select the 95; 98 or whichever system the program was made for.

 

[PhiSigGirl]

No good. Run as only allows me to choose which user to run the program under and I am the only user available. I tried changing the properties to use windows 98 and that did not correct the issue either.

 

[PhiSigGirl]

Here is some additional info that may help. I don't have a c:\WINDOWS\System32 folder. I have a c:\WINDOWS\System folder, but no system32.

 

[PhiSigGirl]

I found the answer. Tidus2Una provided this lovely set of directions. It was under games, hence my missing it:
"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 has been a few issues with an error regarding AUTOEXEC.NT. There is a few simple fixes for this error.

1) Navigate to the REPAIR folder in C:\WINNT or C:\WINDOWS. Copy the AUTOEXEC.NT file to C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 folder.

2) With the Windows XP CD in the drive, go to Command Prompt and type:
expand (cdrom drive)\i386\autoexec.nt_ c:\windows\system32\autoexec.nt

(cdrom drive) is the letter drive you have your CD-ROM assigned to. Usually its D:. If it asks you to replace it, click yes.

Microsoft's Support Website has this issue listed and has a similar approach to fix the issue.

Other files that may be affected are CONFIG.NT and COMMAND.COM. The procedure is the same for the two files.

Anything else, contact Microsoft.

Regards,

~ Tidus4Yuna