Member Avatar for DANIEL4420

I have been using qbasic programs with Windows XP with no problems, of over a year. I use Automatic update to stay current on all the security patches. Now, when I try to run Qbasic I get this 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.

Both "Close" and Ignore do the same thing ---- abort.

What happened... and how do I correct it?

Dan

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Dani AI

Generated

This message means the 16‑bit DOS subsystem (NTVDM) cannot find a usable AUTOEXEC.NT/CONFIG.NT (or the DOS command.com), so DOS/old 16‑bit installers (QBASIC, VB6 setups, etc.) fail to start. The most common causes are those files being missing or damaged (sometimes removed by security tools or altered by updates). (learn.microsoft.com)

Practical repair steps (work through in order; reboot after each successful change):

  • Check for these files: C:\Windows\System32\AUTOEXEC.NT, CONFIG.NT, COMMAND.COM.
  • If missing or corrupt, restore copies from C:\Windows\Repair or expand them from the XP CD/i386 folder. Example commands (assume CD = D:): 
copy %windir%\repair\autoexec.nt %windir%\system32
copy %windir%\repair\config.nt %windir%\system32

expand D:\i386\autoexec.nt_ C:\Windows\System32\autoexec.nt
expand D:\i386\config.nt_    C:\Windows\System32\config.nt
expand D:\i386\command.com_  C:\Windows\System32\command.com

sfc /scannow

If the exact compressed names differ, use dir D:\i386\ to check the filenames first. These are the same steps documented by community experts and troubleshooting writeups. (protext.com)

If you already copied a file into System32 (as tried) and the error stayed, try replacing it again from the Repair folder or the CD (a downloaded single file can be HTML/garbled or the wrong build). Also verify COMMAND.COM is present, run sfc /scannow, and scan for malware — some anti‑spyware or trojans have been known to delete these files. If the PC is a 64‑bit Windows build, NTVDM is not available and 16‑bit programs will not run (use DOSBox or a 32‑bit VM). (support.quest.com)

Notes and cautions: was right the file can be removed, but avoid downloading random AUTOEXEC.NT files or running unknown "fix" executables like those linked above — they can be unsafe or the wrong variant. Prefer copying from your own Repair folder or the original XP disc, use SFC, and scan for malware before trusting restored files. If those steps fail, running QBASIC inside DOSBox or a small VM with 32‑bit Windows is a safe, long‑term solution.

Recommended Answers

All 5 Replies

Member Avatar for podrock

Simple Solution, that file was removed probually when u removed some spyware and or a virus. All you have to do is re-download it and put it into your Windows/System32 folder, a download link can be found through google, or you can get the file off your windows CD. I had this same problem and i just googled it and Qbasic Ran fine.

Member Avatar for Cea

Same thing happened to me. But with VB6. BUT, I put the file in system 32, and it still doesnt work. Same error messege too.

So Im stuck using Visual Studio 2005. Very cool though. Actually, why Do I care, 2005 is better anyway?

Well, just saying for all those other people that had the same problem as me.

Member Avatar for Real-tiner

Sounds like greedy Microsoft trying to keep people from using stuff they already own.

Member Avatar for divminds

:cheesy: Here I've built a simple program that installs an script into your system32 folder it will allow any DOS programs to run under Windows XP as far as I know of
Here is the Link

Download DOSWINXP - Fix

Member Avatar for JC7

Some security updates including those in SP2 for XP can remove the files neccessary for running DOS programs. This microsoft knowledge base article describes the steps you should take to fix this problem:

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