Windows: MS-DOS-Based Applications Require Valid Video Grabber

 Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q73825
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

In Windows versions 3.0 and 3.0a, you receive one of the following messages when you try to run an MS-DOS-based application in either standard or 386 enhanced mode: 

   Cannot find the grabber (WINOLDAP.GRB); check to ensure that the
   grabber is in the path defined by the SYSTEM.INI file's
   '286grabber=' entry

   -or-

   Application Execution Error: Cannot find file; check to ensure the
   path and filename are correct
In Windows version 3.1, you receive one of the following messages when you try to run an MS-DOS-based application.

In 386 enhanced mode: 

   Cannot find file <MS-DOS-based application (or one of its components)>.
   Check to ensure the path and filename are correct and that all required
   libraries are available.
In standard mode: 

   Cannot find the file WINOLDAP.GRB. Make sure that the file is in the
   path defined by '286grabber=' value in SYSTEM.INI

CAUSE

Windows cannot find the 286 or 386 video grabber file.

RESOLUTION

Ensure that a valid video grabber is available in the SYSTEM.INI file under the [BOOT] section for the appropriate Windows operating mode. The grabber is necessary for Windows to launch an MS-DOS-based application.

KBCategory: kbtool kbdisplay kberrmsg
KBSubcategory: win30
Additional reference words: 3.00 3.0 3.0a 3.00a

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.