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Q143388: 16-bit Windows Programs May Not Start

Article: Q143388
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): WinNT:3.5,3.51
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbenv
Last Modified: 08-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51 
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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          : kbenv 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNT351search kbWinNT350search kbWinNTW350 kbWinNTW350search kbWinNTW351search kbWinNTW351 kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS351 kbWinNTS350 kbWinNTS351search kbWinNTS350search
Version           : WinNT:3.5,3.51
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix

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