Try to install programs : NTVDM.exe errors

[crazyray]

Motherboard is a Syntax S635MP with integrated VIA Samuel2 CPU. Fresh install of Win2K including SP4 and all critical updates. When I attempt to install a program by double-clicking on the file (such as Excel Viewer) I get an error message "NTVDM.exe error, writing to error log...".

Can anyone help?

BTW, double-clicking on a ZIP file caused the same error, but right-clicking on the file and choosing "extract to" worked OK.

[crazyray]

My searching has located similar problems related to the installation of service packs. They suggest uninstalling and re-installing the SP...

Comments? (I didn't archive so this means a complete re-format).

[crazyray]

I've done a complete re-format, installing Win2000 Pro and then using Windows Update to install all critical updates including SP4.

Whenever I double-click on a program to instal it, I get this error:

"Program Error

NTDVM.exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows.
You will need to restart the program. An error log is being
created."

I know that NTVDM is "NT Virtual DOS Machine" but that bit of info isn't helping me at all.

Very frustrating. Any help would be appreciated.

[cadetstimp]

NTVDM is the NT Virtual DOS Machine..... it's a sub platform that all 16 bit programs use to run. Most setup.exe files are 16bit in nature.

Usually all 16 bit programs share the same session of ntvdm.exe and thus, share the same memory.

Try creating a shortcut to the setup.exe. Go into the properties of the shortcut and make sure "run in seperate memory space" box is checked and then rerun setup. This will force a seperate session of ntvdm.exe in memory just for the setup.exe you're trying to run.

Another solution would be to make sure all other 16bit programs are shut down before running setup.exe. (i.e. check task manager for other 16 bit processes running) Also, don't forget to temporarily disable virus scanning - if you trust the installation source.

[crazyray]

Thank you, CadetStimp! I had found references to your approach, but then found this:

Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 817901

"Program Error

NTVDM.EXE has generated errors and will be closed by Windows.
You will need to restart the program.

An error log is being created."

It goes on to explain that the source of the problem is a basic incompatibility with the VIA Samuel2 CPU! I have contacted Syntax, the manufacturer of the board, and I am waiting on a reply.

If nothing else, this pointedly questions the wisdom of buying one of these boards at ANY price.