Windows Err Msg: Standard-Mode Switcher Is Not Running

 Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
Article ID: Q86674
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

You may receive the following error message during Windows Setup or when running MS-DOS-based applications in standard or 386 enhanced mode: 

   Standard mode switcher is not running

CAUSE

Problem Occurs During Setup

If any programs are placed below the [run] section in the SETUP.INF file, Windows Setup starts the application after completing the installation of Windows. If an entry for an MS-DOS-based application appears here, you will receive the error message noted above.

MS-DOS-based applications cannot be run if standard-mode Switcher (DSWAP.EXE) is not loaded. WIN.COM starts DSWAP.EXE, so when Windows is started, you can run MS-DOS-based applications. Because the graphical portion of Windows Setup is started by DOSX.EXE, not WIN.COM, DSWAP.EXE is not loaded during Setup.

Problem Occurs When You Run MS-DOS-Based Applications

If the problem occurs when running an MS-DOS-based application or MS-DOS Prompt, you will need to re-create WIN.COM.

The standard-mode Switcher (DSWAP.EXE) is initialized by WIN.COM when you start Windows. If WIN.COM is corrupted or damaged, DSWAP.EXE may not be initialized properly. If DSWAP.EXE is not loaded, or is loaded incorrectly, you will get the error message noted above.

RESOLUTION

Re-creating WIN.COM

You can re-create WIN.COM by reinstalling Windows, or by selecting a different video driver and then switching back to the original. To cause WIN.COM to be updated by switching video drivers:

  1. Run Windows Setup from MS-DOS Prompt at the WINDOWS directory.

  2. Change the Display to a different resolution, usually the next lowest option. For example, if you are using VGA, install for EGA. The resolution you choose does not matter because you will not actually be running Windows with the driver.

  3. Follow the instruction on the screen to install the new display driver.

  4. Run Windows Setup again.

  5. Change the Display back to its original setting.

When you change the Display setting, WIN.COM is re-created. The disadvantage of this procedure is the additional video driver and font files will remain on your hard drive in the Windows SYSTEM subdirectory, unless you manually delete them.

KBCategory: kbnetwork kbdisplay kb3rdparty kberrmsg kbsetup
KBSubcategory: win31
Additional reference words: 3.10 3.11 err msg network /n /a workstation
novell banyan vines lan manager std

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Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
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