How to fix: System File not suitable for running MS-DOS and Windows applications.

"The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications" error message, regarding the "autoexec.nt" or the "config.nt" file(s) may  appear on a Windows 32 bit based computer (Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP), when you try to run or install a 16 bit MS-DOS application.  (Windows 64 bit operating systems do not support 16 bit applications.)

This tutorial contains instructions to resolve the following error(s) when you try to run or install a program on Windows:

"16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem
C:\Windows\system32\cmd.exe
config.nt. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close" to terminate the application."

"16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem
path to the program that you are trying to run or install
C:\Windows\System32\config.nt The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application."

"16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem
path to the program that you are trying to run or install
config.nt The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application."

"16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem
path to the program that you are trying to run or install
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."

How to fix: System File not suitable for running MS-DOS programs.

Solution 1. Change Environment Variables.

Some MS-DOS programs don't work, if a long filename path has been set in "Variable Value" box in "Environment Variables" properties. So the first solution to resolve the "System File not suitable for running MS-DOS and Windows applications" problem, is to specify a shorter file name path for the temporary files. To do that:

1. Simultaneously press the Windows + R  keys to open the 'Run' command box.
2. In run command box, type: systempropertiesadvanced press Enter.

3. At Advanced tab, open Environment Variables.

4. Select the TEMP variable and click Edit.

5. Change the Variable value path to C:\Windows\Temp and click OK.

6. Then select the TMP value and click Edit.
7. Set – also – the Variable value path to C:\Windows\Temp
8. Click OK twice to close all windows.

9. Try to install or run again the program that causes the "System File not suitable" issue.

Solution 2. Restore or Re-Create the Required Files.

The "System File not suitable for running MS-DOS applications" issue can occur if any one of the following files are missing, damaged, or not located in the %systemroot%\System32 folder:

• Autoexec.nt
• Command.com
• Config.nt

For Windows 7 or Vista: your can try to the copy the "Autoexec.nt" & "Config.nt" from another working computer (with the same Windows Edition) or to re-create the "config.nt" & "autoexec.nt" files using Notepad.

A. To create the config.nt file.

1. Open Notepad and copy and paste the text below:

dos=high, umb
device=%SYSTEMROOT%\system32\himem.sys
files=40

2. Go to File > Save As
3. In the File Name box, type config.nt
4. Change the Save As type to All Files and Save the file in C:\Windows\System32 directory.

5. Restart your computer.

B. To create the autoexec.nt file:

1. Open Notepad and copy and paste the text below:

@echo off
lh %SYSTEMROOT%\system32\mscdexnt.exe
lh %SYSTEMROOT%\system32\redir
lh %SYSTEMROOT%\system32\dosx
SET BLASTER=A220 I5 D1 P330 T3

2. Go to File > Save As
3. In the File Name box, type autoexec.nt
4. Change the Save As type to All Files and Save the file in C:\Windows\System32 directory.

5. Restart your computer.

You 're done!

Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.

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Konstantinos Tsoukalas

Konstantinos is the founder and administrator of Wintips.org. Since 1995 he works and provides IT support as a computer and network expert to individuals and large companies. He is specialized in solving problems related to Windows or other Microsoft products (Windows Server, Office, Microsoft 365, etc.).

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