Random ASCII Characters May Appear in a VDM Window (102796)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
This article was previously published under Q102796

SYMPTOMS

If you run Windows NT on a RISC-based computer, such as a MIPS or a DEC Alpha machine, random ASCII characters may display in a Virtual MS-DOS Machine (VDM) window.

CAUSE

If you run an application that uses a Program Information File (PIF) that has the Allow Fast Paste box clear (unchecked), you may receive random ASCII characters in the VDM window, such as @^@^@^@^.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

  1. On an Alpha or MIPS machine, open the PIF Editor.
  2. Type COMMAND.COM in the Program Filename box.
  3. Choose the Advanced options.
  4. Under Other Options, clear the Allow Fast Paste check box.
  5. Choose OK.
  6. Save the PIF as TEST.PIF and close the PIF Editor.
  7. From Program Manager, choose Run from the File menu.
  8. On the command line, type TEST.PIF and press ENTER.
When the VDM window opens, you may notice some random ASCII characters displayed.

RESOLUTION

To work around the problem, either select (enable) the Allow Fast Paste check box in the PIF file or delete the characters, using the BACKSPACE key in the VDM window.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.1 and Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/20/2003
Keywords:kbenv KB102796
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.