"Hidden Console of WOW VDM" error messages when installing under NT4

Problem

You try to install Office under Windows NT4 or terminal server and receive a message like:

• Hidden console of WOWVDM NT VDM has encountered a system error. The handle is invalid. Choose Close to terminate the application.
• Hidden console of WOW VDM c:\\System32\Config.nt. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
• Hidden Console of WOW VDM c:\\System32\Autoexec.nt. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.
• Hidden Console of WOW VDM error while setting up environment for the application. Choose Close to terminate the application.
• Config.nt The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows Applications.

Solution

Verify that the following files are in the \System32 subfolder of your Windows folder (usually named WINNT in Windows NT4)

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

If any of these are missing, expand them from your original Windows NT CD. They'll be in the I386 subfolder as:

• Autoexec.nt_
• Config.nt_
• Command.co_

To expand one of these files:

• Copy it to your \WINNT\System32 folder
• From a command prompt window, type: EXPAND compressed_name full_name
• Example: EXPAND config.nt_ config.nt or EXPAND command.co_ command.com

See Err: "Hidden Console of WOW VDM" Running 16-bit or MS-DOS App for further information and suggestions.

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