LOAD=, RUN=, and StartUp Group Ignored in Windows

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

SUMMARY

If a shell other than Program Manager (PROGMAN.EXE) is specified on the SHELL= line in the [boot] section of the SYSTEM.INI file, programs in the Windows 3.1 StartUp group may not run. Also, any applications listed on the LOAD= and RUN= lines may not run with Windows 3.0 and 3.1, depending on the shell.

MORE INFORMATION

LOAD and RUN= Lines

When you start Windows, Program Manager looks at the LOAD= and RUN= lines for programs to run at startup. Third-party shells may not read these line. For information on compatibility and functionality with LOAD= and RUN= lines, contact the product vendor.

Note: Norton Desktop for Windows (NDW) does read these lines and loads programs on the LOAD= and RUN= lines.

Windows StartUp Group and Norton Desktop for Windows

If you install Norton Desktop for Windows over Windows 3.1, none of the applications in the StartUp group run when you start Windows. Although NDW converts the group to its shell, it does not transfer the applications in the StartUp group to its autostart group. You must transfer the StartUp group to the autostart group that NDW creates.

UAE with Excel for Windows or Word for Windows as Shell

In Windows 3.0, if you use Microsoft Excel for Windows or Microsoft Word for Windows as the shell, an Unrecoverable Application Error (UAE) is generated.

In Windows 3.1, most Microsoft applications can be loaded as a shell without problems. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project are examples of Microsoft programs that can be loaded as a shell but do not recognize the Load= and Run= lines or the StartUp group.

Currently, Program Manager, File Manager, and the Windows 3.0 MS-DOS Executive are the only Microsoft programs created for Windows that recognize the Load= and Run= functions. In Windows 3.1, the StartUp group is also ignored because it is also run only by the default Windows Program Manager.

Norton Desktop for Windows is manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.