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What's a 16bit MS DOS Subsystem?

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Summary: There are a couple things to check when a 16 bit MS DOS Subsystem error pops up on your machine.

I get this msg when i start up my computer.

16 bit MS DOS Subsystem
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Debug.exe
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\SUTOEXEC.NT.
The system is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application. I did not have this before. Please advise me how to fix this problem.

While there are a couple of clues in that error message, the results are inconclusive.

The 16 bit subsystem is what allows some older MS-DOS software to run in today's Windows NT and XP. It sets up a simulated MS-DOS environment, and many old applications can run fairly well. (This not to be confused with the Command Shell, which is a true 32 bit Windows application.)

But in this case it looks like some old 16 bit MS-DOS application is attempting to start when you log in. In fact, it's possible that the 16 bit debugging program debug.exe is being started.

If you had just installed some new software, I might suspect that as the cause. Especially if it was a new install of some old software package. However my assumption is that this isn't the case.

So I would do three things:

  • scan for spyware

  • scan for viruses

  • check out what's starting when you boot windows

I actually suspect spyware, but I've not seen one that starts a 16bit program before. In any case, since it's trying to start when you start up Windows, the last approach should allow you to disable it if the spyware and virus scan don't stop it.

Related:

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Article 479 | Posted November 9, 2004

Recent Comments

I'd try running the system file checker: http://ask-leo.com/what_is_the_system_file_checker_and_how_do_i_run_it.html

Posted by: Leo at June 21, 2005 08:49 PM

This is what appears when i open Jazz Jackrabbit.
I have downloaded this from the Net. I have Windows XP professional
.
16-bit MS-DOS subsystem
A:\JAZZ.PIF Invalid program file name, please check your pif file. Choose 'Close' to terminate this application.
Perhaps you could help me

Posted by: Lawrence at July 1, 2005 09:13 AM

The patch worked for me. I had this problem also. Upon stumbling to this site using google and reading then downloading the patch. My problem with that 16 bit subsystem disappeared. Thanks. :D its been a pain in the A$$ after sooo long. I didnt wanna re-install coz i had lotsa stuff installed.

Posted by: E. Nigma at August 1, 2005 01:43 AM

I hope you can help me. Everytime I try to download a game from the internet or i put a very old computer game in it works but when i try to open the file the 16 bit MS-DOS thing comes up and then it says to close or ignor file. Either one does the same thing. Now i can never play all of these games. And i payed money for some of these really old games.
Please help and please help me fast i cant wait any longer for this 16bit thing.

Posted by: Spencer at October 20, 2005 03:47 PM

I know that you allready solve this problem but I need you to tell me how to solve it.When I open the game simmilar to one of the questions, I have an error.My windows are xp proffesional.
16 bit MS-DOS Subsystem
C:\Sos\Saku_D\SAKU-CD.PIF
Invalid program file name, please check your pif file.Choose "Close" to terminate the applicaton.
Please help me I don`t know what to do.

Posted by: Looka at January 30, 2006 03:02 AM

Lawrence make sure the PIF file refers to a valid location.

Posted by: Cameron at May 22, 2006 12:25 PM

Copy the AUTOEXEC.NT file from \WINDOWS\REPAIR to \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32
If it asks you whether you want to overwrite,
click yes

Posted by: Cameron at May 22, 2006 12:30 PM

C:\Sos\Saku_D\SAKU-CD.PIF
Invalid program file name, please check your pif file.Choose "Close" to terminate the applicaton.
Please help me I don`t know what to do.

Posted by: Ajeet at March 19, 2007 10:14 PM

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

Depends on what you were doing or when that message comes up.

Leo
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.6 (MingW32)

iD8DBQFGADxuCMEe9B/8oqERAtrUAJsFT/DVgTNfy4DZ3+4CDgYsuVf7pgCfevbX
z6c4NFPCOXE7o/Fc/SaoTDg=
=pHCT
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Posted by: Leo A. Notenboom at March 20, 2007 12:56 PM

16 bit MS-DOS Subsystem
Turbo C++ IDE The NTVDM CPU has encountered an illegal instruction. CS:c000 IP:2c40 OP:8f 96 b9 0e ff Choose 'Close' to terminate the application...

Posted by: rakesh at August 12, 2008 04:22 AM

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