16 bit MS-DOS Subsystem

**plasterer** · 28th October 2004

Every time i switch on my pc this comes on me screen.
in the box it says
c:\PROGA~1\COMMON~1\SEARCH~1\SEARCH~1.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\AUTOEXEC.NT.The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications.CHoose close to terminate this application. Ipush close it goes off , next time i switch on its back Any idears how to get shut ,THANX

**tombott** · 28th October 2004

What OS are you running ?

Try opening c:\autoexec.bat with notepad and see what files it is trying to load

**plasterer** · 28th October 2004

Thanx 4 your quick reoly . Not 2 sure how 2 do this any more hlp appreceated

thanx PAUL running xp

**whatnow** · 28th October 2004

does it come up before windows is fully loaded (i.e. you can load programs) or while it's loading?

any extra info would result in a pretty simple solution.

also, try having a look on google for ad-aware search~1.exe looks like spyware to me.

**tombott** · 28th October 2004

ok check c:\documents and settings\username \Start Menu\Programs\Startup
c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

See what files you got in there

Look under C:\

See if there is a file there called Autoexec.bat

If you can't see one it maybe worth clicking on

Tools - Folder Options - View - Hidden Files and Folders - Show Hidden Files and Folders

Open it with notepad and copy it and paste results on here.

There maybe stuff starting via the registry on your PC, something like ADAWARE or Spybot Search and Destroy Would clear this down,

You could also run MSCONFIG to check all of this.
Click Start - Run
type MSCONFIG
Hit OK or press Return

have a look at the startup tab on here, this wish show you everything loading up on boot.

Looking at the command column you will be able to see the file names of programs starting up.
do a search on google or post the names here of the file names, you should then be able to work out whats needed and whats not.

T.

**plasterer** · 29th October 2004

as soon as windows loads it comes straight on within a second

**whatnow** · 29th October 2004

in that case then try tombott's advice:

Click Start - Run
type MSCONFIG
Hit OK or press Return
click on the 'start up' tab (at the top)
uncheck the line that looks something like: search~1.exe | "c:\program files\common files\search~1 | HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

may not fix it or even work but sounds like it's in startup so you need to check.

good luck.