Ntvdm.Exe Troubleshooting
32-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7 support older DOS-based or Windows 3.1 16-bit applications by creating a virtual machine, or container, in which to run them. Windows use the NTVDM.exe (NT Virtual DOS Machine) file to create a separate virtual-operating-system space that supports 16-bit applications. NTVDM.exe related errors usually occur if you are running multiple 16-bit applications on your computer, or if you are running a DOS application that requires exclusive access to RAM and other components. In most cases, though, finding and correcting the cause of an NTVDM.exe error is relatively simple.
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Instructions
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Check the Windows desktop and ensure that the 16-bit application has a shortcut on the desktop. When installing the 16-bit application, the installer may have installed a regular shortcut on the "Start" menu or in a program folder under "All Programs." However, to run properly on Windows 7, 16-bit programs need a specially configured shortcut on the desktop.
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Create a desktop shortcut for the application if it does not have one. Click "Start," then "Computer." Browse to the folder containing the executable file (.exe) for the DOS or 16-bit application. Right-click and hold the filename, and then drag the file to the desktop. When the pop-up window appears, click the "Create Shortcuts Here" option. A new shortcut appears on the Windows desktop. Attempt to run the application using the Window shortcut.
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Right-click the desktop shortcut for the application if it still does not open or run the way it should. Click "Properties" on the pop-up menu. In the Properties windows, click "Shortcut," then the "Advanced" button.
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Enable the "Run as Administrator" and "Run in Separate Memory Space" options, and the click "OK." Click "OK" again to close the "Properties" window.
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Click the "Compatibility" tab in the "Properties" window. Enable the "Run this program in compatibility mode for" check box. Click the drop-down list, and the select "Windows 95."
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Restart the computer and attempt to run the older application using the desktop shortcut. If the application runs properly, use the program as you normally would. If you still see NTVDM.exe errors, enable the following options on the "Compatibility" tab of the desktop shortcut window:
Run in 256 colors;
Run in 640 x 480 screen resolution
Disable visual themes
Disable desktop composition
Disable display scaling on high DPI settings
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Tips & Warnings
Using the "Compatibility Mode" feature in Windows Vista or 7 allows you to run most 16-bit applications. However, some programs do not run at all under newer versions of Windows. If after making the above changes, the application does not run, then you should seek an upgraded version of the program.
