Knowledge Base

16-bit Windows Programs May Not Start

Article ID: 143388

Article Last Modified on 11/1/2006

APPLIES TO

This article was previously published under Q143388

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to run a 16-bit Windows program in its own memory space, an error message may briefly appear on the screen, and the program may not start.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if either of the following conditions exists:
  • Folders in the path to the program (.exe) file contain long file names (LFNs).
  • Folders in the path to the program file contain extended characters.
NOTE: There may be other possible causes for this behavior.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, use one or more of the following methods:
  • Change the folder names in the path so that they do not contain extended characters.
  • Rename folders so that they conform to the MS-DOS 8.3 naming convention.
  • Do not run the program in a separate memory space. This causes the program to be run in a shared memory space within a single Windows-On- Windows (WOW) environment.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Windows NT 3.5 and 3.51. This problem is resolved in Microsoft Windows NT 4.0.

Additional query words: prodnt windows on windows ntvdm

Keywords: kbbug kbenv kbfix KB143388


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