Err: Win16 Subsystem Unable to Enter Protected Mode

ID: Q150420

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51
Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to access a 16-bit application from Windows NT and are using Fprot.exe, the following error message is displayed:

The Win16 Subsystem was unable to enter Protected Mode, DOSX.EXE must be in your AUTOEXEC.NT and present in your PATH.

CAUSE

Fprot.exe inadvertently changes the file's attributes to read/hidden/system attributes. The following may be affected:

WINNTxx

WINNTxx\SYSTEM

WINNTxx\SYSTEM32

WINNTxx\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS

WINNTxx\SYSTEM32\REPAIR

RESOLUTION

Compare the damaged system with a fresh install of NT on a second computer and reset the attributes with either the "attrib" command or File Manager.

MORE INFORMATION


ATTRIB [+R | -R] [+A | -A ] [+S | -S] [+H | -H] [[drive:] [path] filename]
[/S]

+   Sets an attribute.
-   Clears an attribute.
R   Read-only file attribute.
A   Archive file attribute.
S   System file attribute.
H   Hidden file attribute.
/S  Processes files in all directories in the specified path.

Keywords : NTSrvWkst
Version : 3.50 3.51
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :