Hi, I keep having a problem with my computer. Whenever I try to install a
game (i.e. The Sims), or a screensaver, and most other programs, it comes up
with the same error message:

C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\AUTOEXEC.NT. The system file is not suitable for running
MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'close' to terminate the
application.

Please help!
Thanks

Bobeth wrote:

> Hi, I keep having a problem with my computer. Whenever I try to install a
> game (i.e. The Sims), or a screensaver, and most other programs, it comes up
> with the same error message:
>
> C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\AUTOEXEC.NT. The system file is not suitable for running
> MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'close' to terminate the
> application.
>
> Please help!
> Thanks
>

Error message when you install or start an MS-DOS or 16-bit
Windows-based program
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=324767

Also can be caused by a Trojan installing a file windupdater.exe and
creating registry entries for that file.
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm...g. google.com

AVAST (free antivirus software) can be the cause if SP2 is installed:
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm...%40comcast.com

You can put back the standard version of autoexec.nt by copying a backup
copy held in windows\repair to windows\system32.

Make sure you do a thorough check for malware in safe mode using a
combination of programs:

THE PARASITE FIGHT
Finding, Removing & Protecting Yourself From Scumware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm

Richard Harper’s Guide to Cleaning Pests
http://rgharper.mvps.org/cleanit.htm

--
Rock
MS MVP Windows - Shell/User

Hi

Copy that file from the windows\repair folder to the windows\system32 folder
and try the installation again.

--


Will Denny
MS MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups

"Bobeth" <Bobeth@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:6A7F5AE8-FF07-46C2-99A7-D2E696966ECE@microsoft.com...
> Hi, I keep having a problem with my computer. Whenever I try to install a
> game (i.e. The Sims), or a screensaver, and most other programs, it comes
> up
> with the same error message:
>
> C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\AUTOEXEC.NT. The system file is not suitable for
> running
> MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'close' to terminate the
> application.
>
> Please help!
> Thanks
>

Bobeth wrote:

> Hi, I keep having a problem with my computer. Whenever I try to
> install a game (i.e. The Sims), or a screensaver, and most other
> programs, it comes up with the same error message:
>
> C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\AUTOEXEC.NT. The system file is not suitable for
> running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'close' to
> terminate the application.

Error message when you install or start an MS-DOS or 16-bit
Windows-based program:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp

This can also be caused by malware, so make sure your computer is clean:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

Also, AVAST (antivirus software) can be the cause if you have WinXP SP2
installed:
http://groups.google.com/groups?thre...%40comcast.com

You can put back the standard version of autoexec.nt/config.nt by
copying a backup copy held in %windir%\repair\ to %windir%\system32\
(%windir% is typically C:\Windows) instead of using the procedure in
the KB article above.

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User