Cannot Start a Windows-Based Program from MS-DOS Prompt

 Last reviewed: August 30, 1996
Article ID: Q134489
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you try to start a Windows-based program from an MS-DOS prompt by typing 

   START <winapp>

   -or-

   <winapp>
where <winapp> is the name of the program, the program does not run, and you receive the following error message: 

   This program cannot be run in DOS mode.

CAUSE

The MS-DOS window is configured to prevent MS-DOS based programs from detecting Windows.

RESOLUTION

Change the configuration of the MS-DOS window. To change the configuration, follow these steps:

  1. Start MS-DOS Prompt.

  2. In the MS-DOS Prompt dialog box, click the Properties button.

  3. In the MS-DOS Prompt Properties dialog box, click the Program tab, and then click the Advanced button.

  4. In the Advanced Program Settings dialog box, make sure the "Prevent MS-DOS-based programs from detecting Windows" box is not checked, and then click the OK button.

  5. Quit MS-DOS, and then restart it.

KBCategory: kbinterop kbusage kbui
KBSubcategory: posfest win95 appscomp
Additional reference words: 95 start begin box execute

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Last reviewed: August 30, 1996
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