d:\ is not a valid win32 application

Question

How do I solve this problem? I get this error ( d:\ is not a valid win32 application ) when I try to install programs using the CDRom. I just got the computer. Dell Tech support told me its an Operating System problem. The first tech support rep. told me that they've gotten errors like that before, but its not their problem because its an OS error and not a dell problem. (which seems like a dell problem to me, because I got a dell computer, brand new, and its got bugs on it.) How do I fix this? Thanks a bunch! ---- I just got a brand new Dell Dimension desktop. When I tried to install progams (using the cd rom), I'd get a Win32 error message. My CD isn't faulty (it works very well on my laptop, also windows). Dell is telling me that its 'my problem', although I just got it out of the box and they've supposedly checked all products before shipping to ensure that everything is a-ok. Dell Tech support also told me that the problem probably occured after they checked it (ie, during shipping), even though they've already told me its an operating system problem. What can I do?

sparkenh · Answer

can be caused by corrupted program you are trying to install. Check this out: http://www.pcreview.co.uk/forums/thread-1701446.php

sparkenh · Answer

i'm sorry i didn't notice from your P.S. that the CD is not faulty.

It could be a hardware problem according to this site:

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/valid-win32-application-ftopict168608.html

RoHe · Answer

Go here and download Denny's little app to your desktop. Double-click it to run and reboot. That should solve the problem. http://www2.whidbey.net/djdenham/16bit_fix.htm Ron

maxd · Answer

Well, did it fix it ? RoHe, Is that a known fix for this ?

maxd · Answer

Makes sense. Thanks. Links I saw referred often to autorun(.inf).

RoHe · Answer

Maxd,
Don't know if that fixed the OP's problem. But usually when Windows says something akin to "not a valid win32 application", that's an indication XP needs Denny's fix. Many installers are 16-bit programs that install 32-bit apps so if you can't even get the installation disk to start, this is the first fix to try. And even if it doesn't solve the problem, it won't hurt anything.

Ron

zplia · Answer

I tried the fix and it didn't work. Any suggestions or should I call Dell for a replacement?

sparkenh · Answer

1. do you get the same error everytime you install any programs from any cds? 2. i'll vote for calling Dell to fix the problem.

Windows General

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