Error Message Appears When You Try to Install 16-bit Program on Computer Upgraded to Windows 2000 (285194)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
This article was previously published under Q285194

SYMPTOMS

When you try to install a 16-bit program on a computer that has been upgraded to Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional from another operating system, the following error message may appear:
Application popup: 16 bit Windows Subsystem : An application has attempted to directly access the hard disk, which cannot be supported. This may cause the application to function incorrectly. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur because the Command.com, Autoexec.nt, and Config.nt files that were upgraded to Windows 2000 had invalid entries.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, expand the Command.com, Autoexec.nt, and Config.nt files from the Windows 2000 Installation CD-ROM.

MORE INFORMATION

  1. On the Start Menu, click Run, and then type the following:
    cmd
  2. Click OK.
  3. Type the CD-ROM drive letter with a colon, for example D:, and then press ENTER.
  4. Type the following and then press ENTER:

    cd i386
  5. In Windows Explorer, rename the Command.com, Autoexec.nt, and Config.nt files to Command.old, Autoexec.old, and Config.old.
  6. Return to the Run dialog box, and then type the following and press ENTER:

    expand D:\i386\command.co_ C:\Winnt\system32\command.com

    Note: Make sure the CD-ROM drive letter and the hard disk drive letter are correct for your system.
  7. Type the following, and then press ENTER:

    expand D:\i386\autoexec.nt_ C:\Winnt\system32\autoexec.nt
  8. Type the following, and then press ENTER:

    expand D:\i386\config.nt_ C:\Winnt\system32\config.nt
  9. Restart the computer, and then try again to run the program.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/21/2003
Keywords:kbprb KB285194
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