WFWG Err Msg: Server VM Terminated Abnormally

• Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.1

SYMPTOMS

You may receive the following error message while running MS-DOS-based applications on a Windows for Workgroups server:

   The Server VM Terminated Abnormally

CAUSE

This means that the server virtual device driver (VxD) did not terminate the server virtual machine (VM). Instead, Windows terminated the server VM because an illegal instruction was executed inside the server VM. This situation is usually caused by real-mode components, such as network card drivers, real-mode transports, or any other real-mode device drivers.

WORKAROUND

The server is not operational until you restart Windows.

MORE INFORMATION

When you install a device driver or a terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) program (such as a transport or net card driver) before starting Windows, the driver or TSR becomes available to all VMs under 386 enhanced mode Windows. If the device driver or TSR is active inside the server VM and attempts to use a piece of memory that doesn't belong to it, it can start executing invalid instructions.

In such a situation, Windows terminates the server VM and issues the error above. (This error would be a system integrity violation for any non-server VM.)