Err Msg: Setup Cannot Run In a 386 Enhanced Mode Windows... (146465)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q146465

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to install Windows NT 3.51 on a Windows 95 computer with the "WINNT /B/W" (without quotes) command, the following error message appears:
Setup cannot run in a 386 Enhanced Mode Windows MS-DOS Command Prompt.
Exit Windows and run Setup again.
Setup cannot continue. Press ENTER to exit.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if there is no space between the /B and /W switches for WINNT.EXE.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, type the following at the command line:

WINNT /B /W

MORE INFORMATION

The /W switch allows WINNT.EXE to run in Windows 95. You can use this switch with other WINNT.EXE switches. For example, if you want to create boot floppy disks for CD-ROM or floppy-based Windows NT installation, you can type the following at the command line:

WINNT /OX /W

"WINNT /W" allows you to install Windows NT from within Windows, bypassing the drive locking and enhanced driver issues involved with a Microsoft Windows install. Again, this bypasses many of the Windows NT install safety features and is not recommended.

When you type WINNT /? at the command line, the /W switch is not listed. For more information on the /W switch, please see SETUP.TXT on the Windows NT Server or Workstation 3.51 compact disc.

For more information, regarding the /w switch and Windows NT 4.0 please refer to the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

147012 Activating /W Switch to Prevent Rebooting in WinNT

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/17/2003
Keywords:KB146465
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.