Microsoft KB Archive/143388

= 16-bit Windows Programs May Not Start =

Article ID: 143388

Article Last Modified on 11/1/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
 * Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51

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This article was previously published under Q143388





SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to run a 16-bit Windows program in its own memory space, an error message may briefly appear on the screen, and the program may not start.



CAUSE
This behavior can occur if either of the following conditions exists:


 * Folders in the path to the program (.exe) file contain long file names (LFNs).
 * Folders in the path to the program file contain extended characters.

NOTE: There may be other possible causes for this behavior.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this behavior, use one or more of the following methods:


 * Change the folder names in the path so that they do not contain extended characters.
 * Rename folders so that they conform to the MS-DOS 8.3 naming convention.
 * Do not run the program in a separate memory space. This causes the program to be run in a shared memory space within a single Windows-On- Windows (WOW) environment.



STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Windows NT 3.5 and 3.51. This problem is resolved in Microsoft Windows NT 4.0.

Additional query words: prodnt windows on windows ntvdm

Keywords: kbbug kbenv kbfix KB143388

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