Q128399: MS-DOS-Based Application Checks for Existence of Windows

Article: Q128399
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): 95
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): win95 appscomp kbAppCompatibility
Last Modified: 28-JUL-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows 95 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When you run an MS-DOS-based application in Windows 95, the application may try
to exit Windows 95 or you may receive an error message similar to the following
message:

  This program does not run under Windows.

CAUSE
=====

Some MS-DOS-based applications are designed to check for the existence of
Windows and fail if Windows is found to be running.

WORKAROUND
==========

Windows 95 has an option for this type of MS-DOS-based application. Follow these
steps to use the "Prevent MS-DOS-based programs from detecting Windows" option:

1. Use the right mouse button to click the icon for the MS-DOS-based program,
  then click Properties on the menu that appears.

2. Click the Program tab, then click the Advanced button.

3. Click the "Prevent MS-DOS-based programs from detecting Windows" check box,
  then click the OK button twice.

MORE INFORMATION
================

When you choose the "Prevent MS-DOS-based programs from detecting Windows"
option, Windows 95 does the following:

- Removes WINDIR as an environment variable for that application.

- Returns a message stating that Windows is not running if the MS-DOS- based
  application checks to see if Windows is running or what mode Windows is
  running in.


NOTE: If you use this option you cannot run Windows-based applications from this
command prompt.

Additional query words: stealth virtual machine vm

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Keywords          : win95 appscomp kbAppCompatibility 
Technology        : kbWin95search kbZNotKeyword3
Version           : 95

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