MS-DOS-based programs do not run as expected on a computer that is running Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, or Windows 2000 (890067)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003 SP1
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server SP3
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP3
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP4
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP4
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP3
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server SP4
  • Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1, when used with:
    • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
    • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, when used with:
    • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
    • Microsoft Windows XP Professional


Important This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

You try to run a MS-DOS-based program on a computer that is running one of the following operating systems:
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003
  • Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 1 (SP1)
  • Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3 (SP3)
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 (SP4)
However, the program does not run as expected.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if you run a 16-bit MS-DOS-based program at a command prompt, and you do not include a space between the .exe file name extension and the parameter switch (/). A space is always added between the .exe file name extension and the parameter switch when a MS-DOS-based program is run from a command line.

For example, your MS-DOS-based program may try to run the command as Program.exe/Parameter. Even though a space is not specified in the command, the command is run as Program.exe /Parameter.

RESOLUTION

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that this article describes. Apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem.

To resolve this problem, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

Restart requirement

You must restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel.Windows Server 2003
   Date         Time   Version            Size    File name
   --------------------------------------------------------------
   08-Sep-2005  01:17  5.2.3790.405      420,864  Ntvdm.exe        
   08-Sep-2005  02:10  5.2.3790.2525     443,392  Ntvdm.exe        
   08-Sep-2005  02:12  5.2.3790.2525      32,256  Arpidfix.exe
Windows XP with SP1 or with SP2
   Date         Time   Version            Size    File name
   --------------------------------------------------------------
   06-Jul-2005  22:59  3.10.0.103         92,224  Krnl386.exe
   06-Jul-2005  22:56                     33,840  Ntio.sys
   06-Jul-2005  22:56                     34,560  Ntio404.sys
   06-Jul-2005  22:56                     35,648  Ntio411.sys
   06-Jul-2005  22:56                     35,424  Ntio412.sys
   06-Jul-2005  22:56                     34,560  Ntio804.sys
   06-Jul-2005  23:49  5.1.2600.1715     397,312  Ntvdm.exe        
   04-Jun-2004  00:43  5.1.2600.1562     245,760  Wow32.dll        
   06-Jul-2005  23:38  5.1.2600.2715     420,864  Ntvdm.exe      
   06-Jul-2005  23:41  5.1.2600.2715      30,720  Arpidfix.exe
Windows 2000 with SP3 or with SP4
   Date         Time   Version            Size    File name
   --------------------------------------------------------------
   19-Jun-2003  20:05  3.10.0.103         92,032  Krnl386.exe
   19-Jun-2003  20:05                     33,824  Ntio.sys
   19-Jun-2003  20:05                     34,544  Ntio404.sys
   19-Jun-2003  20:05                     35,648  Ntio411.sys
   19-Jun-2003  20:05                     35,408  Ntio412.sys
   19-Jun-2003  20:05                     34,544  Ntio804.sys
   15-Dec-2004  19:24  5.0.2195.7011     398,608  Ntvdm.exe        
   16-Dec-2004  05:02  5.0.2195.7009     239,888  Wow32.dll

Hotfix installation information

Warning If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

After you apply this hotfix, you must add the following entry to the registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WOW\CmdLine\NoSpace

To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
  2. Locate and then right-click the following registry subkey:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WOW

  3. Right-click WOW, point to New, and then click Key.
  4. Type CmdLine, and then press ENTER to name the new subkey.
  5. Right-click CmdLine, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
  6. Type NoSpace, and then press ENTER to name the new value.
  7. Right-click NoSpace, and then click Modify.
  8. In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
  9. Quit Registry Editor.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

816915 New file naming schema for Microsoft Windows software update packages

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/1/2006
Keywords:kbBug kbfix kbWin2000preSP5fix kbHotfixServer kbQFE KB890067 kbAudITPRO
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