Random ASCII Characters May Appear in a VDM Window

• Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1

SYMPTOMS

If you run Windows NT on a RISC-based computer, such as a MIPS or a DEC Alpha machine, random ASCII characters may display in a Virtual MS-DOS Machine (VDM) window.

CAUSE

If you run an application that uses a Program Information File (PIF) that has the Allow Fast Paste box clear (unchecked), you may receive random ASCII characters in the VDM window, such as @^@^@^@^.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

1. On an Alpha or MIPS machine, open the PIF Editor.

2. Type COMMAND.COM in the Program Filename box.

3. Choose the Advanced options.

4. Under Other Options, clear the Allow Fast Paste check box.

5. Choose OK.

6. Save the PIF as TEST.PIF and close the PIF Editor.

7. From Program Manager, choose Run from the File menu.

8. On the command line, type TEST.PIF and press ENTER.

RESOLUTION

To work around the problem, either select (enable) the Allow Fast Paste check box in the PIF file or delete the characters, using the BACKSPACE key in the VDM window.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.1 and Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.