OLE Problems When Running 16-bit Applications on Windows NT

• Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51

SYMPTOMS

When you run 16-bit Windows applications in Windows NT, you may experience problems using OLE automation or embedding. When you click on an embedded object, the following error message may appear:

Unable to launch PROGRAM.EXE

CAUSE

One possible explanation of these errors is that the OLE registration for the server application was entered using Long File Names.

WORKAROUND

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

To correct this, replace the LFN path to the executable with an 8.3 representation.

1. Use REGEDT32.EXE to edit the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT



2. Find the OLE registration entries for your specific application.
   Eg. Access.Application.7->shell->open->command



3. Double click on the Command entry and edit the path to use 8.3 syntax instead of an LFN.
   From: c:\Program Files\Office\MSACCESS.EXE /NOSTARTUP "%1"
   To: c:\progra~1\office\MSACCESS.EXE /NOSTARTUP "%1"

Additional query words: prodnt 3.10 OLE 16bit embedded PROGRAM.EXE

Keywords : nt16ap
Version : 3.10 3.50 3.51
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :