How to Update the Version of the NTVDM File

NTVDM is Microsoft's Virtual DOS machine (VDM.) This file is used by the Windows operating system to emulate old DOS architectures, allowing older 16-bit DOS and Windows programs to run within modern versions of Windows. This file is unavailable on 64-bit versions of Windows due to the incompatibility of 64-bit instructions with archaic 16-bit. Fortunately, you can update your NTVDM on all 32-bit versions of Windows that use the NT architecture, including Windows 7.

Instructions

1. Open the "Start" menu, and then click "Control Panel."

2. Type "Windows Update" in the search bar at the top-right corner of the screen.

3. Click "Check for updates," which is the first result below the "Windows Update" banner at the top of the window.

4. Click the "Install updates" button on the right side of the screen. Confirm the action if a security dialogue appears. You may need to supply the administrative password for the computer if prompted.

5. Review the license agreement for the update. You must click "I accept the license terms" followed by "Finish" to begin installing the update.

6. Wait as the update is downloaded and installed. Click "Restart now" if asked to restart your system to complete the installation. Once this is done, NTVDM will be updated to the latest version with the most recent security patches. The length of the installation will depend on your Windows Update download settings, but most system updates will download and install within 15 minutes on an average broadband connection.

References

• "Microsoft Windows 7 Administrator's Reference: Upgrading, Deploying, Managing, and Securing Windows 7"; Jorge Orchilles; 2010