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How to Fix a 16-Bit Windows Subsystem Error

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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A 16-bit Windows subsystem error can occur when you try to run DOS programs or games in Windows. Missing or damaged system files or a missing default printer can cause the errors. Follow these steps to fix 16-bit Windows subsystem errors.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Reinstall the program. If you still get an error, click the Windows "Start" button. Go to "Control Panel" and choose "Printers." Make sure there is a default printer with a name that contains fewer than eight characters.

  2. Step 2

    Right-click the icon for the program that is giving an error. Select "Properties." Click the "Advanced" button and check the "Run in Separate Memory Space" box.

  3. Step 3

    Put your Windows installation CD in your CD drive. Hit the "Start" button. Click "Run." In the "Open:" box, type "CMD."

  4. Step 4

    Type "expand D:\i386\config.nt_ c:\windows\system32\config.nt" at the prompt. After the command runs, repeat the command to expand the "autoexec.nt," and "command.com" files.

  5. Step 5

    Start the faulty program. If you still get 16-bit Windows subsystem error, browse to the "Windows" folder and open the "System32" folder . Right-click the "config.nt" file and select "Open With." Browse to "Notepad."

  6. Step 6

    Check the "config.nt" to be sure it contains the following 3 lines: "dos=high, umb," "device=%SYSTEMROOT%\system32\himem.sys" and
    "files=40." If any of the lines are missing, type them into the file and save the file.

  7. Step 7

    Open the "autoexec.nt" file. Make sure it has three lines that each start with "lh %SYSTEMROOT%\system32\" and end with "mscdexnt.exe," "redir" and
    "dosx," respectively. The file should also contain the line "SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 P330 T3." If any of these lines are missing, enter them and save the file.

Tips & Warnings
  • Programs that need a virtual device driver won't run properly in Windows XP.
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