16-bit Windows-based Applications Keystroke Causes System Hang

Last reviewed: May 5, 1997
Article ID: Q105748
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1

SUMMARY

Windows NT may occasionally stop responding (hang) when the ALT+F4+F6 keys are pressed simultaneously for a 16-bit Windows-based application. If these keys are pressed while the application is being loaded, a system failure may occur. A failure can also occur when you choose Save As from the File menu and press ALT+F4+F6 when new data has not been saved. Windows-based applications such as Microsoft Word for Windows, version 2.0a, and Microsoft Excel can also produce these failures. This problem is most common on keyboards that have the function keys located on the left side of the keyboard, in which case, the F4 and F6 keys may easily be pressed simultaneously by accident.

CAUSE

WOWEXEC produces a kernel-level failure through the Windows NT 32-bit subsystem.

RESOLUTION

An updated WINSRV.DLL file corrects this problem (on Intel x86 Microsoft Windows NT 3.1 installations). This file is available through Microsoft Electronic Services including CompuServe (WINNT forum Library2: Patches and Updates) and the Internet (GoWinNT.Microsoft.Com: Bussys\winnt\unsup-ed\fixes\WinSrv\*.*). The file available on these services, WINSRV.EXE, is a self-extracting archive.

To replace the WINSRV.DLL file, do the following:

WARNING: If this file becomes corrupt when installed on NTFS, the

         system may fail to start. If possible, test this file on
         a FAT partition of a test system.

  • Rename WinNT\System32\WINSRV.DLL *.old.

  • Copy WINSRV.DLL WinNT\System32.

  • Shut down the system and then restart it.

    This replacement file is provided as is, and is not supported by Microsoft Product Support Services. A tested and supported copy of this file will be included in an updated Microsoft Windows NT Service Pack.

    MORE INFORMATION

    Steps to Reproduce Problem

    1. Open a document in Word or Excel and leave it blank.

    2. Open a second document and type some text in it.

    3. Press ALT+F4+F6 simultaneously.

    The system will hang.


  • Additional query words: prodnt Wow Winsrv
    Keywords : kb3rdparty kbbug3.10 kbinterop nt16ap
    Version : 3.1
    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: May 5, 1997
    © 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.