Webuser Forums: 16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem errors

Also referred to as C:\Windows\System32\Autoexec.nt errors.

Microsoft have issued advice about this error here and here. Unfortunately that advice assumes you have the original Windows CD and can use the Expand command. For those of you unable (or unwilling) to follow the Microsoft advice I have copied the relevant files onto my server.

They have been scanned with AVG Antivirus software before posting. They are in the form of a self-installing Zip file and you do not need Winzip on your PC to install them. Simply download the relevant file on to your hard disk then double click. The files will install themselves into the correct directories as noted below.

For Windows 2000 download this file - Windows 2000

For Windows XP Home download this file - XP Home

For Windows XP Professional download this file - XP Pro

NOTE

(1) These files assume that Windows is installed in the default directory - Windows 2000 in the C:\WINNT\System32 directory and XP in the C:\Windows\System32 directory. If Windows was installed in a different directory on your PC you will need to expand the files first and then copy the expanded files to the appropriate directory.

(2) Some users have reported that changing the file attributes to Read Only as soon as they have been copied stops them being changed or deleted after install.

(3) Once installed you will need to re-boot your PC. If you find that the files are being deleted after a reboot it is almost certain that you have either a trojan, virus or adware on your PC. Please follow the instructions in this thread and see if running the recommended software will solve your problem. If it doesn't you should post your own log in the HJT thread.

(4) Please note that this is the only help I can give you with regard to the 16 bit error. Please do not send me Private Messages asking for further advice. They will not be answered. If you want more help, post your request on the forum.