DOCUMENT:Q150420  20-FEB-2002  [winnt]
TITLE   :Err: Win16 Subsystem Unable to Enter Protected Mode
PRODUCT :Microsoft Windows NT
PROD/VER::3.5,3.51
OPER/SYS:
KEYWORDS:

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The information in this article applies to:

 - Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51 
 - Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When you attempt to access a 16-bit application from Windows NT and are using
Fprot.exe, the following error message is displayed:

   The Win16 Subsystem was unable to enter Protected Mode, DOSX.EXE must be in
   your AUTOEXEC.NT and present in your PATH.

CAUSE
=====

Fprot.exe inadvertently changes the file's attributes to read/hidden/system
attributes. The following may be affected:

 - WINNTxx

 - WINNTxx\SYSTEM

 - WINNTxx\SYSTEM32

 - WINNTxx\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS

 - WINNTxx\SYSTEM32\REPAIR

RESOLUTION
==========

Compare the damaged system with a fresh install of NT on a second computer and
reset the attributes with either the "attrib" command or File Manager.


MORE INFORMATION
================

ATTRIB [+R | -R] [+A | -A ] [+S | -S] [+H | -H] [[drive:] [path] filename]
[/S]

+   Sets an attribute.
-   Clears an attribute.
R   Read-only file attribute.
A   Archive file attribute.
S   System file attribute.
H   Hidden file attribute.
/S  Processes files in all directories in the specified path.

Additional query words:

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNT351search kbWinNT350search kbWinNTW350 kbWinNTW350search kbWinNTW351search kbWinNTW351 kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS351 kbWinNTS350 kbWinNTS351search kbWinNTS350search
Version           : :3.5,3.51

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Copyright Microsoft Corporation 2002.