DOCUMENT:Q90341 13-OCT-1999 [win3x] TITLE :WFWG Err Msg: Server VM Terminated Abnormally PRODUCT :Microsoft Windows 3.x Retail Product PROD/VER:WINDOWS:3.1 OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS: ====================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information in this article applies to: - Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SYMPTOMS ======== You may receive the following error message while running MS-DOS-based applications on a Windows for Workgroups server: The Server VM Terminated Abnormally CAUSE ===== This means that the server virtual device driver (VxD) did not terminate the server virtual machine (VM). Instead, Windows terminated the server VM because an illegal instruction was executed inside the server VM. This situation is usually caused by real-mode components, such as network card drivers, real-mode transports, or any other real-mode device drivers. WORKAROUND ========== The server is not operational until you restart Windows. MORE INFORMATION ================ When you install a device driver or a terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) program (such as a transport or net card driver) before starting Windows, the driver or TSR becomes available to all VMs under 386 enhanced mode Windows. If the device driver or TSR is active inside the server VM and attempts to use a piece of memory that doesn't belong to it, it can start executing invalid instructions. In such a situation, Windows terminates the server VM and issues the error above. (This error would be a system integrity violation for any non-server VM.) Additional query words: 3.10 ====================================================================== Keywords : Technology : kbAudDeveloper kbWFWSearch kbWFW310 Version : WINDOWS:3.1 ============================================================================= 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. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1999.