Spot a 16-Bit Application

Learn How to Spot a 16-Bit Application

Because most Windows 3.x-based programs run properly under Windows XP, it's sometimes difficult to tell 16-bit and 32-bit applications apart.

• Right-click the program's executable file and then choose Properties.

If you see a Version tab, it's a 32-bit program.

• Or, if the program is running, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the

Windows Task Manager. On the Processes tab, look in the Image Name column for the name of the program's executable file. If any 16-bit programs are running, you'll find an entry for Ntvdm.exe, the virtual DOS machine. Just above it in the list, you'll see indented entries for Wowexec.exe (the Windows on Windows subsystem) and the executable name of each 16-bit program running in that virtual machine.

Get Fast Access to System Settings

You don't have to pass through Control Panel to get to the System Properties dialog box.

• Hold down the Windows key and press Break to open this handy dialog box immediately.

No Windows key?

• Create a shortcut to Sysdm.cpl (you'll find it in the %systemroot%\System32 folder) and place it anywhere in the Programs menu. Then open the shortcut's Properties dialog box and assign it an easy-to-remember keyboard shortcut such as Ctrl+Alt+Shift+S.

• Some laptop keyboards may have separate keys for Break and Pause, and you may find this dialog box opens if you hold the Windows key and press Pause.