Err Msg Running MS-DOS-Based Apps: Cannot Start Application (109536)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11
This article was previously published under Q109536

SYMPTOMS

If you include any parameters on your SET COMSPEC command (typically located in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file), you receive the following error message when you try to start MS-DOS-based applications under Windows or Windows for Workgroups:
Cannot start application

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, edit your AUTOEXEC.BAT file and remove any parameters from your SET COMSPEC command.

MORE INFORMATION

Any configuration parameters for COMMAND.COM should be placed on the SHELL= line in the CONFIG.SYS file. For example: 
     shell=c:\dos\command.com c:\dos\ /e:512 /p
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/6/2003
Keywords:KB109536
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.