PRB: Error Messages When Running Mkcwrt from Command Line (184978)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft OEM Preinstall Kit (OPK) 95 OSR2
  • Microsoft OEM Preinstall Kit (OPK) 95 OSR2.1
  • Microsoft OEM Preinstall Kit (OPK) 95 OSR2.5
  • Microsoft OEM Preinstall Kit (OPK) 98
  • Microsoft OEM Preinstall Kit (OPK) 98sp1
This article was previously published under Q184978

SYMPTOMS

When you run Mkcwrt.exe from the MS-DOS console window, the wizard is not properly installed. One of the following error messages might appear:
Command line option syntax error. Type "COMMAND /?" for help.
Error creating process "<errorfilename> /C mkcwrt.bat D: C:\<wizard dir>"
This tool is for Microsoft OEM channel partners only. If you are a Microsoft OEM channel partner, please read the documentation for more details. Press any key to continue...
This program can not be run in DOS mode.

CAUSE

Following are the causes of each error message:
  • Command line option syntax error. Type "COMMAND /?" for help.
    There is an extra space between MKCWRT /C switch and the open quotation marks.
  • Error creating process "<errorfilename> /C mkcwrt.bat D: C:\<wizard dir>"
    The name of Command.com is misspelled. This message also appears when there is no space between Command.com /C switch and Mkcwrt.bat, and also if one or both quotation marks are missing.
  • This tool is for Microsoft OEM channel partners only. If you are a Microsoft OEM channel partner, please read the documentation for more details. Press any key to continue...
    There is a missing space between the CD-ROM drive letter (assumed as Z:) and the drive letter for the path to the wizard directory (taken as C:). This message also appears if no switches or options follow Mkcwrt on the command line.
  • This program can not be run in DOS mode.
    The "Prevent DOS based programs from detecting Windows" check box is selected on the Advanced tab of the Properties dialog box.

RESOLUTION

In the first three cases, verify the syntax of the command as typed. Refer to the OEM Preinstall Guide, or the Preinstallation Quick Guide for the exact command syntax. In the last case, run Mkcwrt.exe on a freshly installed system with a clean command prompt program that has not been tampered with.

MORE INFORMATION

Mkcwrt.exe is located in the admin folder of the Windows 95 OSR 2.x CD-ROM and \tools\admin folder of the Windows 98 CD-ROM.You can find detailed preinstallation documentation, references, chat transcripts, and an FAQ on:

http://oem.microsoft.com

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:3/21/2005
Keywords:kbprb KB184978
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