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Trouble with file installation? Check antivirus software

By JOHN TORRO
Published November 7, 2005

Q. I deleted Dazzle's high-speed smart media reader by mistake. When I try to reinstall, I get a message: 16 bit Windows subsystem C:windows\system 32\autoexec.nt. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose close to terminate the application. What does this mean and what do I have to do to reload the software?

A. This problem occurs when one or more of the following files are missing or damaged: Config.nt; Autoexec.nt; or Command.com. In your case, it is the Autoexec.nt file. Various viruses/Trojans are a known cause for damaging these files. So the first thing you need to do is make sure all your antivirus and antispyware programs are up-to-date. You'll need to put a new copy of the autoexec.nt file in the C:\Windows\system32 folder. You can find and copy this file following these steps (from support.microsoft.com):

1. Click Start, then Run, type c:\windows\repair, and then click OK.

2. Right-click autoexec.nt, and then click Copy.

3. Click Start, then Run, type c:\windows\system32, and then click OK.

4. Right-click anywhere in that folder, and then click Paste.

5. Right-click the Autoexect.nt file that you just copied, and then click Properties.

6. Click to select Read-Only, and then click OK.

You can also copy it from your installation Windows XP CD as follows: expand CD-ROM Drive Letter:\i386\autoexec.nt_ c:\windows\system32\autoexec.nt (replace CD-ROM Drive Letter from above with the appropriate CD-ROM letter designation from your system).

Q. When I try to access the display settings by double-clicking the icon in Control Panel, I get this message: Your system administrator disabled the Display Control Panel. I am unable to proceed. This is the only icon for which I get this type of message (Windows XP with Service Pack 2).

A. Assuming that you are logged in with Administrative rights, this could be a known problem resulting from the W32.HLLW.Lerok worm that spreads through the Kazaa file-sharing network. The first thing you need to do is make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date and run a full scan. There is most likely a registry key of NoDispCPL at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System. Delete this key using Regedit and you should again have access to the Display settings in Control Panel. Of course, you should back up the registry (set a System Restore point) and make sure you are familiar with the procedures necessary in case you need to restore it before ever modifying the Registry.

Q. This messenger thing came up at least 150 times one night saying I had all these Registry problems. Just to get rid of the stupid messenger, I downloaded a registry mechanic in order to complete the task of fixing all the problems. I then had to purchase it. But the messenger is still coming up. Is there a way to prevent this from coming up?

A. What you downloaded was most likely a scam, along with the phony messenger popups. Don't ever respond to any message you see pop up on your PC. You didn't include specifics on your system Windows version so I will have to be general in my response. If there is an uninstall in the Control Panel Add/Remove Programs, go ahead and uninstall the program you purchased. If you are familiar with System Restore, run it and restore to a point previous to downloading that piece of software. For information on System Restore and how to run it, go to www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/systemrestore.mspx Next, download, update and run the Microsoft AntiSpyware program (www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software) as well as either Spybot or Ad-aware (both available at Download.com). Also make sure to set your Internet Explorer (Windows XP Service Pack 2 version) to suppress popups (from Internet Explorer, go to Tools and Popup Blocker).

[Last modified November 4, 2005, 12:43:45]