Windows Err Msg: Unexpected DOS Error #11

• Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

When an MS-DOS-based application is run from Windows version 3.0, 3.0a, or 3.1, the following error message may occur:

   Application Execution Error: Unexpected DOS Error #11

CAUSE

This is a kernel internal error that indicates Windows has tried to execute a file that is in an invalid format. This problem occurs in standard or 386 enhanced mode, and indicates that the 286GRABBER, 386GRABBER, WINOA286.MOD, or WINOA386.MOD file or a third-party driver that is loaded is corrupt.

WORKAROUND

To resolve the error, perform the following steps:

1. Check the video driver. If the video driver is corrupt, one solution may be to install the EGA driver through the Windows Setup program. After installing the EGA driver, reinstall the original video driver.

   NOTE: If you are using Windows 3.0 or 3.0a, install the CGA driver, then reinstall the original driver.

2. Check the DEVICE= lines in the SYSTEM.INI file that do not start with an asterisk (*). The lack of an asterisk indicates an installed third-party device driver. Check these drivers for possible corruption and reinstall them if necessary.