Problems Accessing or Writing to the SYSTEM.INI File

ID: Q119782


The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows versions 3.1, 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11


SYMPTOMS

  • Programs that modify the SYSTEM.INI file during installation stop responding (hang) or produce an error message similar to the following:
    Cannot read file <path> SYSTEM.INI


  • When you use MS-DOS Editor (EDIT.COM) in an MS-DOS session to edit the SYSTEM.INI file, the system hangs.


  • You are unable to modify the virtual-memory settings on your computer.



CAUSE

Close-Up version 6.0 from Norton-Lambert assigns write protection to the SYSTEM.INI file so that other applications cannot write to it.


WORKAROUND

The only work around is to disable Close-Up with the following steps:

  1. Open the AUTOEXEC.BAT file using a text editor, such as Windows Notepad.


  2. Remark out (using the REM command) the statement that loads CHOST.EXE.

    Change
    
         <path>\chost.exe 
    to:
    
          rem <path>\chost.exe 


  3. Save your changes and reboot your computer.



MORE INFORMATION

Close-Up version 6.0 from Norton-Lambert is a modem host program that uses "unobtrusive technology." This technology allows Close-Up to operate without having its setup program make changes to the SYSTEM.INI file. After Close-Up is running, it makes changes to the copy of the SYSTEM.INI file that is in memory. Close-Up then locks the SYSTEM.INI file so that no other changes can be made.

Close-Up is manufactured by Norton-Lambert, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

Additional query words: setup err msg chost

Keywords :
Version : WINDOWS:3.1,3.11
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: October 8, 1999
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