When I try to install a new program (even one that I have installed before, but removed) I get the following message. C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\AUTOEXEC.NT The system file is not suitable for running MSDOS and Microsft Windows applications. Choose 'close' to terminate. I have tried this tip from Microsoft but it didn't work. . . This issue may occur if one or more of the following files are missing or damaged: • Config.nt • Autoexec.nt • Command.com RESOLUTION To resolve this issue: 1. Insert the CD into the CD drive or DVD drive. 2. Click Start, and then click Run. 3. In the Open box, type cmd, and then click OK. 4. At the command prompt, type the following commands, pressing ENTER after each command: expand CD-ROM Drive Letter:\i386\config.nt_ c:\windows\system32\config.nt expand CD-ROM Drive Letter:\i386\autoexec.nt_ c:\windows\system32\autoexec.nt expand CD-ROM Drive Letter:\i386\command.co_ c:\windows\system32\command.com exit 5. Start or install the program. If the issue is resolved, do not complete the remaining steps. If the issue is not resolved, go to the next step. I don't know if I just did it wrong or what (it's not the easiest directions to follow), but I can't install several programs that I used to have on my computer. Please Help! Thanks!

Tara, You could go to the link below and download "XP_Fix.EXE". "This installaton program will reinstall the missing or corrupt Windows XP system files command.com, autoexec.nt and config.nt. The absence or corruption of one or more of these files causes a "16 Bit Subsystem" error. We recommend that you download this file and save it to your desktop or to another location where you can find it. Double click on the file to run it once it's downloaded. If problem reoccurs in the future, simply re-run this program". http://www.visualtour.com/downloads/ Another fix some have used is to do a search for autoexec.nt You will probably find it in C:\WINDOWS\repair. Copy and paste it into C:\WINDOWS\system32. The 2 links below explain what may be causing the problem (Malware). http://www.vtsoftware.co.uk/users/MarkDowsett.htm http://groups-beta.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/a448971496ce38b5 Tufenuf

Tufenuf- You are my new best friend (I didn't really have an old one, but now I do!:) ha ha) It still gave me an error when I put in the program I wanted to install- Something like "Cannot find Shell.dll" but it intalled the program! Now maybe you can help me with another problem I am having. . . It concerns Java. I have Java installed and it is showing that it is enabled, but when I click on a java link - it will not bring it up. If I hold down shift & click the link it will open a new window, but tells me the page is unavailable, blah blah blah. Then some pages actually tell me my Java isn't enabled and tells me how to do it, but once again, IT IS ENABLED! Ugh! Some links won't even work at all. I have noticed it on secure connection type links, where I am being redirected to a secure area. Any advice for this? Thank you so much Tufenuf!

Tara, I'm assuming that you have the Sun Java installed and you're using Internet Explorer for your browser. If that's the case go into your Control Panel and double click the Java-Plugin (looks like a coffee cup) and under the Basic tab checkmark Enable Java Plug-in, under the Browser tab checkmark Microsoft Internet Explorer. See if that corrects the problem. Also which version of the Sun Java do you have installed? Tufenuf

I have Java version 1.5 . It is enabled. the coffee cup is even in my little task bar - but it still doesn't work. I may have spoken too soon on the other stuff. I rebooted my computer then tried to install a new program and now not only is it telling me that SHELL.DLL is missing it also says Cannot find filed:\install.exe (or one of its components.) Check to ensure the path and filename are correct and that all required libraries are available. I'm ready to throw this thing in the trash! I looked for the malware suggested in the two articles you showed me, but I didn't find anything. I have SpySubtract, Avast Antivirus, and Microsofts Beta version of Microsoft AntiSpyware (which catches a lot of stuff) but I still can't find anything that could be causing this stuff. Thank You so much for your help!

Tara, Go in to Windows Explorer and see if SHELL.DLL is in your C:\Windows\System32\folder. If it isn't you can download it at the link below. It belongs in your C:\Windows\System32\folder. Download the correct one for your version of Windows. shell.dll download If the text on this page is too small click View/Text size/ choose Medium. As far as the "Cannot find filed:\install.exe (or one of its components.)" message it may be interlinked with the shell.dll file missing. Tufenuf

thanks again, shell.dll was missing. i had shell32.dll, but no shell. maybe i can get this thing fixed after all. . . I am a software person, I can learn any kind of software you put in front of me, but when it comes to the OS, I am just lost! I don't know what it should & shouldn't have on it, and I know I have downloaded stuff that I shouldn't have. I'm still stuck on the Java thing though. Where should Java be located? In the program files? In IE? or does it even matter. It isn't opening at startup, does it run in the background or should I be able to see my "lil cup o'java" in the taskbar for it to be working (which it isn't doing right anyway)?!? Thanks again for all your help!