Article: Q169171
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): WinNT:4.0
Operating System(s):
Keyword(s):
Last Modified: 09-AUG-2001
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The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
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SYMPTOMS
========
Certain 16-bit programs may stop responding (hang) or not run. When you look at
Processes in Task Manager, it shows NTVDM at or around 100 percent CPU time.
CAUSE
=====
This problem occurs when the PATH statement is approximately 200 characters or
more in length.
This problem has also been seen when security on the files in the
%SystemRoot%\System32 folder has been made too restrictive. Specifically, the
users running 16-bit programs must have at least Read (RX) access to all files
in the folder and all subfolders. This is the configuration by default.
RESOLUTION
==========
Use one of the following methods to resolve this problem:
Method 1
--------
The PATH statement can be found in two locations. Shortening one or both
statements should fix the problem.
PATH in System Properties:
1. In Control Panel, double-click the System icon. Click the Environment tab.
2. Under System Variables, select PATH and shorten the value.
3. Click Set, and then click OK.
PATH in Autoexec.nt:
1. Use Notepad to open Autoexec.nt, which is located in the
%SystemRoot%\System32\Autoexec.nt directory.
2. Shorten any PATH= statement.
3. Save Autoexec.nt.
The NTVDM must be terminated before the new PATH will be used. To terminate the
NTVDM process, go to task manager and select NTVDM. Click End Process.
Method 2
--------
Increase the environment size in Config.nt:
1. Use Notepad to open Config.nt, which is located in the %SystemRoot%\System32
directory.
2. Add the following statement:
SHELL=%systemroot%\system32\command.com /e:2048
This will increase the environment size to allow the path statement to remain at
the current length. If problems persist, increase the e: parameter.
STATUS
======
Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0.
Additional query words: slow DOS hang VDM
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Keywords :
Technology : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400
Version : WinNT:4.0
Issue type : kbbug
Solution Type : kbpending
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