Novell Broadcast Message Locks Keyboard in DOS Virtual Machine (81584)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 3.0

This article was previously published under Q81584

SYMPTOMS

If you run an MS-DOS virtual machine (VM) in a window in Microsoft Windows 3.0 enhanced mode, and you receive a Novell broadcast message through NWPOPUP, your keyboard may lock up.

CAUSE

This problem only occurs in Windows 3.0 running in 386 enhanced mode. It occurs because MS-DOS-based applications cannot run in a window when Windows 3.0 is running in real or standard mode.

WORKAROUND

  1. Press the ALT+ENTER keys to place the MS-DOS-based application into full-screen mode.
  2. Press the ALT+ENTER keys a second time to return the application to a window.
This reactivates the keyboard for use in the MS-DOS virtual machine.

If ESC and CTRL+BREAK are the only keys affected by the broadcast message, then press the ALT+TAB key combination twice to reactivate the keys.

STATUS

Microsoft and Novell are researching this problem and will post new information here as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

The Novell products included here are manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/19/2005
Keywords:KB81584