16-bit Windows-based Applications Fail w/o Scanner Attached (105025)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
This article was previously published under Q105025 SYMPTOMS
When you load the HPSCAN16.SYS scanner driver in CONFIG.NT but you do
not have a Hewlett-Packard (HP) ScanJet IIc scanner attached, 16-bit
Windows-based applications do not start. When you click the icon for
an application such as Write, Microsoft Word for Windows, or Microsoft
Excel, the hourglass pointer appears for about ten seconds, but the
application does not start and the icon remains closed. If you open an
MS-DOS command prompt from within Windows NT and attempt to start an
MS-DOS application such as the MS-DOS Edit utility, the application
fails to start. The cursor temporarily freezes, and then eventually
begins blinking again at the command prompt.
When you attempt to start the application Introducing Windows NT, you
will receive a temporarily blank screen.
CAUSE
Loading the HPSCAN16.SYS scanner driver in CONFIG.NT without having
the scanner connected to the computer adversely affects the WOW
(16-bit application) subsystem in Windows NT. The exact nature of the
problem is unknown at this time.
RESOLUTION
To correct this problem, either deactivate the scanner driver in
CONFIG.NT by editing the file in the MS-DOS environment outside of
Windows NT, or turn the computer off, reconnect the scanner, and then
start Windows NT again.
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 Microsoft Knowledge Base
as it becomes available.
| Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 10/30/2003 |
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| Keywords: | kbnetwork KB105025 |
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