AUTOEXEC.NT fix for GMI Software
What is the nature of the issue?
A number of users have reported problems with an error similar to the following when installing or running some GMI products:
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.
This is a bug created by Microsoft with certain Windows 2000 and Windows XP hotfixes, and with certain versions of Windows xp Service Pack 2. The upgrade process removes the autoexec.nt file necessary for running any 16-bit program (including some of our installers) in Windows NT-based systems.
Is there a fix available?
Microsoft documents the problem and a somewhat cumbersome fix (requiring you to have your Windows 2000 or Windows XP installation CD in a knowledge base article:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767
A somewhat easier solution, incuding a link to a downloadable copy of a replacement autoexec.nt file (eliminating the need for the original installation disc) is at:
http://www.iamnotageek.com/a/413-p1.php
If you are handy with Windows Explorer, an even simpler solution is to search your entire hard drive for the autoexec.nt file, then copy the file back to the system32 folder in your Windows directory. In every case we have encountered, the hotfix that removed autoexec.nt from its intended location archived the file somewhere else on the hard disk.
What if that did not work?
Please contact GMI technical support if this does not solve your problem, or if you need more detailed instructions.