Knowledge Base

MS-DOS-Based Application Checks for Existence of Windows

Article ID: 128399

Article Last Modified on 11/15/2006

APPLIES TO

This article was previously published under Q128399

SYMPTOMS

When you run an MS-DOS-based application in Windows 95, the application may try to exit Windows 95 or you may receive an error message similar to the following message:
This program does not run under Windows.

CAUSE

Some MS-DOS-based applications are designed to check for the existence of Windows and fail if Windows is found to be running.

WORKAROUND

Windows 95 has an option for this type of MS-DOS-based application. Follow these steps to use the "Prevent MS-DOS-based programs from detecting Windows" option:
  1. Use the right mouse button to click the icon for the MS-DOS-based program, then click Properties on the menu that appears.
  2. Click the Program tab, then click the Advanced button.
  3. Click the "Prevent MS-DOS-based programs from detecting Windows" check box, then click the OK button twice.

MORE INFORMATION

When you choose the "Prevent MS-DOS-based programs from detecting Windows" option, Windows 95 does the following:
  • Removes WINDIR as an environment variable for that application.
  • Returns a message stating that Windows is not running if the MS-DOS- based application checks to see if Windows is running or what mode Windows is running in.

NOTE: If you use this option you cannot run Windows-based applications from this command prompt.

Additional query words: stealth virtual machine vm

Keywords: kbappcompatibility KB128399


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