16-Bit MS-DOS applications may fail to complete Setup successfully (285801)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
- Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
- Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
- Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
This article was previously published under Q285801 SYMPTOMS On Microsoft Windows 2000, 16-bit MS-DOS programs may fail to install
completely or successfully. The same program may install on some computers that
are running Windows 2000 but not others. Some 16-bit MS-DOS applications may
install without any error or warning message appearing but still not operate
correctly. CAUSE The Autoexec.bat and Config.sys system files are marked as hidden. RESOLUTION To resolve this problem, the hidden attribute on both files must be removed. The following steps
demonstrate how to do this:
- From the Start menu, point to
Programs, point to Accessories, and then
click Windows Explorer.
- From the Tools menu, click Folder
Options and go to the View tab.
- In the Advanced Settings area, under the Hidden
files and folders select Show hidden files and
folders, and then click OK.
- In the left pane of Windows Explorer, expand My
Computer.
- Click Local Drive (C:).
- In the right pane, find and select
Autoexec.bat.
- Right-click this file.
- Click Properties from the pop-up
menu.
- On the General tab, clear the
Hidden attribute, and then click
OK.
- Repeat steps 6 through 9 for the Config.sys
file.
MORE INFORMATION Typically, MS-DOS applications will attempt to modify the
Autoexec.bat and Config.sys files during Setup to set system variables and
other environment parameters for efficient operation of the application at
run-time.
Windows 2000 sets the hidden attribute on Autoexec.bat and Config.sys by default. Because
these files are also system files, this has the effect of marking the files
"super hidden". In this condition, 16 bit MS-DOS applications cannot find these
files and, subsequently, cannot make needed changes to the operating
environment, causing Setup to terminate or fail to complete successfully.
Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 5/23/2005 |
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Keywords: | kbDSWManage2003Swept kbprb KB285801 kbAudDeveloper |
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