Err Msg Running MS-DOS-Based Apps: Cannot Start Application

 Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q109536
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

If you include any parameters on your SET COMSPEC command (typically located in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file), you receive the following error message when you try to start MS-DOS-based applications under Windows or Windows for Workgroups: 

   Cannot start application

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, edit your AUTOEXEC.BAT file and remove any parameters from your SET COMSPEC command.

MORE INFORMATION

Any configuration parameters for COMMAND.COM should be placed on the SHELL= line in the CONFIG.SYS file. For example: 

   shell=c:\dos\command.com c:\dos\ /e:512 /p

KBCategory: kbtool kberrmsg kbenv
KBSubcategory: win31 wfw wfwg
Additional reference words: 3.10 3.1 3.11

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Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
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