Problem: Install on Windows 95 Does Not Work

Solution or Workaround

I have a Windows 95 on my PC and I do not have DOS loaded in a dual boot. I was able to install PC ARC/INFO but it won't run. Why?

Cause:

The problem is that Windows 95 installs all applications under:

C:\PROGRAM FILES
This results in all references to "ARCEXE" in the AUTOEXEC.BAT as:

PATH C:\PROGRA~1\ARCEXE\CMD
SET ARC=C:\PROGRA~1\ARCEXE

PC ARC/INFO is actually a DOS-based application and runs as Windows Extensions. DOS-based applications have a problem interpreting the non 8.3 complaint (FAT) system that native Windows 95 uses.

Answer:

To fix the problem, do the following:

1) In the WINDOWS EXPLORER move the:

C:\PROGRAM FILES\ARCEXE

folder to root location:

C:\ARCEXE

2) Edit the AUTOEXEC.BAT file to change the following lines:

PATH C:\PROGRA~1\ARCEXE\CMD
SET ARC=C:\PROGRA~1\ARCEXE

to

PATH C:\ARCEXE\CMD
SET ARC=C:\ARCEXE

After you have made the necessary changes to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file you must reboot your computer. That is so the changes will take effect.

3) After rebotting:
a. Right Click on the Start button.
b. Left click on Open.
c. Double click on the Programs folder.
d. Double click on the ARC35 folder.
For each icon, click choose File, then Properties, and then select the Shortcut tab; in the Target box remove all references to "\PROGRA~1", as in the above examples.

If upon starting the PC ARC/INFO you get the following warning message:

Program reqires MS-DOS mode.
The MS-DOS prompt may not run well unless it is in MS-DOS mode.
Do you want to change the short cut properties to make it always run in ms-dos mode (Y/N) ?

Choose N (No). Then click on the Properties button (it looks like a hand pointing to a piece of paper, 3rd
button from the right) in the "pcArcTextWindows - COMMAND" window. Under the Program folder click on the Advanced button. Make sure that the following three boxes are un-checked:

~ Prevent MS-DOS-based progrmas from detecting Windows
~ Suggest MS-DOS mode as necessary
~ MS-DOS mode

Click on the "OK" buttons to go back to the PC ARC/INFO program. Then shut
down and restart PC ARC/INFO. the above error message should go away.

Article ID:000001753

Software:

Legacy Products

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Install on Windows 95 does not work

Solution or Workaround

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