Microsoft KB Archive/285801

= 16-Bit MS-DOS applications may fail to complete Setup successfully =

Article ID: 285801

Article Last Modified on 5/23/2005

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server

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This article was previously published under Q285801



SYMPTOMS
On Microsoft Windows 2000, 16-bit MS-DOS programs may fail to install completely or successfully. The same program may install on some computers that are running Windows 2000 but not others. Some 16-bit MS-DOS applications may install without any error or warning message appearing but still not operate correctly.



CAUSE
The Autoexec.bat and Config.sys system files are marked as hidden.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this problem, the hidden attribute on both files must be removed. The following steps demonstrate how to do this:
 * 1) From the Start menu, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer.
 * 2) From the Tools menu, click Folder Options and go to the View tab.
 * 3) In the Advanced Settings area, under the Hidden files and folders select Show hidden files and folders, and then click OK.
 * 4) In the left pane of Windows Explorer, expand My Computer.
 * 5) Click Local Drive (C:).
 * 6) In the right pane, find and select Autoexec.bat.
 * 7) Right-click this file.
 * 8) Click Properties from the pop-up menu.
 * 9) On the General tab, clear the Hidden attribute, and then click OK.
 * 10) Repeat steps 6 through 9 for the Config.sys file.



MORE INFORMATION
Typically, MS-DOS applications will attempt to modify the Autoexec.bat and Config.sys files during Setup to set system variables and other environment parameters for efficient operation of the application at run-time.

Windows 2000 sets the hidden attribute on Autoexec.bat and Config.sys by default. Because these files are also system files, this has the effect of marking the files &quot;super hidden&quot;. In this condition, 16 bit MS-DOS applications cannot find these files and, subsequently, cannot make needed changes to the operating environment, causing Setup to terminate or fail to complete successfully.

Keywords: kbprb kbdswmanage2003swept KB285801

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