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nealdundas

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Using Dos based programs in Windows XP and adjusting File handles

In my last problem, we were trying to get a dos based program to operate in Windows ME.  The program kept generating error boxes stating that there were not enough file handles.  psikic directed me to a web site that addressed this issue.  Since Windows ME uses the System.ini file,by adding the line PerVMFiles=225 to 386Enh section of the System.ini file, this solved the problem with Windows ME.  The program works perfect with no error boxes.  Thank you psikic.

Now, for the next problem.  We want to upgrade our office to Windows XP and use the same dos program that I am using in Windows ME.  Can I make the same adjustment to the System.ini file as in Windows ME?  If not, what other adjustments should I make in order to get the program to work without getting error boxes?
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pbarrette

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pbarrette

Hi again,

I thought you might want to have a look at this link:
http://xp.medvale.net/configur.htm

It gives you some good instructions on how to make sure your XP system is using the correct CONFIG.NT and AUTOEXEC.NT files for startup.

You probably shouldn't overwrite your files, as the link suggests. Just change the default "FILES=40" line to your necessary "FILES=150" or "FILES=200" to be on the safe side.

pb
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Thanks pbarrette; we made the change in the file you suggested.  Program works perfectly.  With regard to the same problem with windows ME, I could not find the system32\config.nt file. Hence I used psikic's suggestion and changed the System.ini file.  This corrected the problem in Windows ME.  So, both of you were successful.

Thanks again.

Neal Dundas
Hi Neal,

Glad to help. WinME is definitely a different beast. It's not DOS based like Win9x and it's not NT based like 2K/XP. Personally, I'm surprised that MS went to market with it, but they didn't have a 2K based OS for home users so they pushed a hybrid.

Anyway, we're here when you need us.
pb