Knowledge Base

WFWG Err Msg: The API Return Buffer Is Too Small

Article ID: 124350

Article Last Modified on 10/14/1999

Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11

This article was previously published under Q124350

SYMPTOMS

When you try to create a password list for the first time, or try to create a password list for a new user, the following error message may be displayed:

The API return buffer is too small

CAUSE

This error message is displayed when a forward slash is included in the Windows portion of the path statement (that is, the path reads C:/<WINDOWS DIRECTORY> instead of C:\<WINDOWS DIRECTORY>). This error message may also occur if there is a missing slash in the windows path.

RESOLUTION

To prevent this error message, change the forward slash in the path entry to a backslash. To do this, type the following at the MS-DOS command prompt:

edit autoexec.bat

After you make the change save and close the file.

MORE INFORMATION

Windows starts correctly in this situation because MS-DOS can use either slash mark; however, you cannot set up applications, and applications that rely on the Windows entry in the path statement do not function correctly. For example, if you try to run Windows Setup or Network Setup, you receive the error message

You are attempting to set up Windows from within Windows. Quit Windows and type 'setup' at the MS-DOS command prompt.

Additional query words: 3.11 pwl err msg

Keywords: KB124350