Missing COMMAND.COM Causes Hidden Console Error

ID: Q142271


The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server


SYMPTOMS

If you remove or rename %SystemRoot%\System32\COMMAND.COM, the following error message appears when you start a 16-bit Windows or MS-DOS application:

16 bit MS-DOS Subsystem: config.nt. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows Applications.


RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, do one of the following:

  • Run the Windows NT Emergency Repair process and verify system files. Restart Windows NT and run the application again.

    -or-


  • Expand COMMAND.CO_ from the Windows NT CD-ROM disc to %SystemRoot%\SYSTEM32\COMMAND.COM.

    -or-


  • Expand Autoexec.nt_ and Config.nt_ from the Windows NT CD-ROM disc to %SystemRoot%\SYSTEM32\Autoexec.nt and Config.nt, respectively.


For additional trouble-shooting steps on running 16-bit Windows applications, please see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:
ARTICLE ID: Q103656
TITLE : Troubleshooting 16-Bit Windows Applications Under Windows NT

Additional query words: prodnt 4.0

Keywords : nt16ap
Version : WINDOWS:2000; winnt:3.5,3.51,4.0
Platform : WINDOWS winnt
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: January 25, 2000
© 2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.