Error Messages

• Missing AUTOEXEC.NT
  
• DDRAW.DLL Error
• GPF in DAMESSAG.DLL Error Win3.1
• DSOUND.DLL not found Error
• Misc

Missing AUTOEXEC.NT

On some XP machines when playing 16 bit games, some users will encounter this 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.

then gives you the option to close or ignore, and if you ignore it nothing happens. This happens when the AUTOEXEC.NT file gets deleted from the WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\ folder.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=324767

Some malicious malware/spyware/viruses are reported to damage these two files. If you haven't updated anything in a while, check the system integrity. If you regularly surf the internet it is EXTREMELY ADVISABLE to have a firewall activated and an up-to-date antivirus. Also, it greatly helps to use another browser than Internet Explorer, such as Firefox or Opera.

Usually, a back up of this file can be found in the WINDOWS\REPAIR folder. If this is missing, too, you can download it here.   Unzip this into your WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 folder.

Another solution is to use this installation 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 this"16 Bit Subsystem" error (use it at your own risk.) Fix for 16bit subsystem error:

Fix for 16bit subsystem error (xp_fix.exe) [139.89 KB]

More information can be found here.
 

DDRAW.DLL Error

This program is using DirectX to change screen and color resolutions on the fly. If you experience an error such as a GPF or IPF in DDraw.dll when you try to start the game, this is probably due the fact that either DirectX is not installed on the computer OR the video card drivers are not DirectX compatible.

Try installing the latest version of DirectX, available at Microsoft's DirectX site. If problems persist, you may need to update your video card drivers.
 

GPF in DAMESSAG.DLL Error Win3.1

One of the most common causes of a General Protection Fault in module Damessag.dll is a video driver (software Windows uses to work with your graphics card) that is not able to play the graphics in our program or installation program.

You need to get the name of your current video driver, and then call your computer or video card manufacturer to get an updated version of the driver. Follow these steps to get the name of your video driver:

1. Close all open applications.
2. Switch to the Main Program Group in Windows.
3. Double-click on the Windows Setup icon.
4. Write down the name of the current display driver, listed next to Display.
5. Use this information to go to the card manufacturer's web site, download the most recent driver for your graphics card. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and install the update. Or, Google for it.

DSOUND.DLL not found Error

This error results from corrupted or improper installation of the DirectX software package. To correct the problem, reinstall DirectX from the game CD or download the latest version of DirectX from www.microsoft.com/directx.
 

Misc

Game gives error message, "Cannot find configuration resource .WIN file".

Go into the game's sub-directory and rename the file "RESOURCE.CFG" to "RESOURCE.WIN".

Game gives sound initialization error and closes on the "Sierra" intro screen.

Right-click on the file "RESOURCE.WIN" (or "RESOURCE.CFG") and choose "Open With..." and then pick NOTEPAD. Change the third line so it says "audioDrv = NO" and the game will run without audio.

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