When I start any MS DOS based program I get this messege in the box, and then it disappears right away:
Cannot load VDM IPX\SPX Support
Any suggestions?

Hi gunslinger2787,

VDM is Virtual DOS Machine, a DOS emulator used on NT to run DOS applications.
IPX/SPX is related to network...
what MS-DOS program are you trying to run ? Note that Windows XP does not use real DOS.
I"ve found many references related to Novell Netware, as below:

QUOTE

On Windows 2000 (maybe Windows XP and others), when you install CSNW and Novell's Netware client, it adds extra stuff to your autoexec.nt file. When you uninstall the client, it leaves a few turds around on your system (don't they all?) that could cause problems. Solution: Edit your %SystemRoot%\system32\autoexec.nt file and look for these lines: REM Install network redirector lh %SystemRoot%\system32\nw16 lh %SystemRoot%\system32\vwipxspx When you find them, just REM the lines out or delete them entirely.

Normally, VDM shares different memory spaces, depending on Win16 or Win32 applications, so it's probably a base memory problem, as DOS based programs needs 500+ base memory and eventually expanded and/or extended memory. This is why DOS based programs normally won't run under Win XP DOS emulation.

Chris

I've found that old DOS programs will run fine using DOSBox DOS Emulator. It was a little confusing the first time I set it up for an old game, as there were lots of switches and settings in the command line for the shortcut, but it sure does a nice job.

Example of command line for Betrayal at Krondor.....

"C:\Program Files\DOSBox\dosbox.exe" -c "MOUNT c c:\" -c "MOUNT x x:\ -t cdrom" -c "c:" -c "cd Sierra\Krondor" -c "krondor.exe"