DOCUMENT:Q102796  26-AUG-1993  [W_NT]
TITLE   :NT: Random ASCII Characters May Appear in a VDM Window
PRODUCT :Windows NT
PROD/VER:3.10
OPER/SYS:WINDOWS
KEYWORDS:

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The information in this article applies to:
 
 - Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
 - Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
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SYMPTOMS
========
 
If you run Windows NT on a non-Intel architecture machine, 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.
 
When the VDM window opens, you may notice some random ASCII characters
displayed.
 
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.
 
Additional reference words: 3.10 W_NTAS

KBCategory:
KBSubcategory: mdos

=============================================================================

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Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1993.