Microsoft KB Archive/150420

= Err: Win16 Subsystem Unable to Enter Protected Mode =

Article ID: 150420

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 Q150420



SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to access a 16-bit application from Windows NT and are using Fprot.exe, the following error message is displayed:

The Win16 Subsystem was unable to enter Protected Mode, DOSX.EXE must be in your AUTOEXEC.NT and present in your PATH.



CAUSE
Fprot.exe inadvertently changes the file's attributes to read/hidden/system attributes. The following may be affected:


 * WINNTxx
 * WINNTxx\SYSTEM
 * WINNTxx\SYSTEM32
 * WINNTxx\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS
 * WINNTxx\SYSTEM32\REPAIR



RESOLUTION
Compare the damaged system with a fresh install of NT on a second computer and reset the attributes with either the "attrib" command or File Manager.



MORE INFORMATION
ATTRIB [+R | -R] [+A | -A ] [+S | -S] [+H | -H] [[drive:] [path] filename] [/S]

+  Sets an attribute. -  Clears an attribute. R  Read-only file attribute. A  Archive file attribute. S  System file attribute. H  Hidden file attribute. /S Processes files in all directories in the specified path.

Keywords: KB150420

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