Windows 98 Setup May Truncate Path in the Autoexec.bat File

ID: Q186927

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 98

SYMPTOMS

After you install Windows, programs listed in the Autoexec.bat file may not be started when you start your computer. These programs may generate "Bad command or file name" or "Path not found" error messages.


CAUSE

Setup does not handle blank spaces in the PATH statement in the Autoexec.bat file correctly. Any PATH statement that contains spaces is incorrect. For example:

Before running Setup: 


   PATH=C:\Windows;C:\Program Files\Third Party Program

After running Setup: 

   PATH=C:\Windows;C:\ProgramFiles\ThirdPartyProgram

Note that the spaces are missing in the PATH statement after running Setup.


RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, modify the Autoexec.bat file to add the missing spaces. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, click Run, type sysedit in the Open box, and then click OK.


  2. On the Window menu, click Autoexec.bat.


  3. Add the missing spaces in the PATH statement.

    NOTE: This problem can also affect other statements, such as SET statements. Make sure to correct any other lines with missing spaces.


  4. On the File menu, click Exit.


  5. When you are prompted to save the modifed Autoexec.bat file, click Yes.


  6. Restart your computer.


Additional query words: LFN

Keywords : kbenv kbsetup win98
Version : WINDOWS:
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb


Last Reviewed: February 4, 1999
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