Microsoft Knowledge Base

Cannot Run an MS-DOS-Based Program or Open an MS-DOS Prompt
Last reviewed: October 15, 1997
Article ID: Q175154
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you try to run an MS-DOS-based program or open an MS-DOS Prompt in Windows 95, you may receive the following error message: 

   A device attached to the system is not functioning.
This error message may be followed by additional error messages.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the Winoa386.mod file located in the Window\System folder is missing or corrupt.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, follow these steps:

  1. Extract the Winoa386.new file from your original Windows 95 disks or CD-ROM to the Windows\System folder. The Winoa386.new file is located in the following locations: 

        - The Win95_03.cab cabinet file on the Windows 95 and Windows 95 OEM
      Service Release 2 (OSR2) CD-ROM.
    - The Win95_03.cab cabinet file on disk 3 of the original Windows 95
      DMF floppy disks.
    - The Win95_04.cab cabinet file on disk 4 of the original Windows 95
      non-DMF floppy disks.

    For information about using the Extract tool, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 

          ARTICLE-ID: Q129605

          TITLE     : Using the Windows 95 Extract Tool (Extract.exe)


  2. At the command prompt, type the following commands, pressing ENTER
   after each command:

    

          cd\windows\system
      ren winoa386.mod winoa386.old
      ren winoa386.new winoa386.mod

    

  3. Restart your computer.

    

 

Keywords          : win95 kberrmsg kbinterop
Version           : WINDOWS:95
Platform          : WINDOWS










 	









	






================================================================================










THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS
PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.  MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS
ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  IN NO
EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR
ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF
MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.  SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION
OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.






	
	Last reviewed:  October 15, 1997
	

	©1997 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Legal Notices.