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When I try to open some of my programs and applications I get a blank window with (C:WINDOWSSystem32rundll32.exe) in the header. Another small window opens inside the other window with. (16 bit MS-DOS Subsystem) in the header with the error message. The NTVDM CPU has encountered an illegal instruction. cs: 0dad IP:0195 OP:63 d7 3b 6c ee choose “close” to terminate the application. The first set of #’s and letters, “0dad” change, 0db6 is one of the other series of #’s and letters that has appeared. I have tried buying RegCure to help fix it and I already had Bit Defender 2009 installed. I have also lost my whole E: drive is now missing and I am in severe need of memory, system restore is inoperable now but I tried it when it was working and it did not fix the problem. I’m not sure when I started having problems, but I think it was around when I installed the update 3.0,3.1, service pack, but I can’t get into Add and Remove Programs. When I open system info, I get a blank screen. Please help. I’m worried about my hard drive and its data.NTVDM CPU Error, rundll error, illegal operation

I know that Kate addressed this question in her answer to the post on July 13^th. Did you try Windows System Configuration or to repair Windows and those didn’t work for you? If you haven’t tried them, my first suggestion would be to go back and follow the step-by-step instructions to see if that solves your problem.

DLL Errors

DLL files are small files that are part of the operating system of a Windows computer. They provide a function for a specific operation for several programs. There are ways to get rid of DLL errors manually, but because this can seriously damage your computer if done incorrectly, I never give directions for removing them yourself. I’m surprised that RegCure didn’t work for you - if you didn’t have success with the program then I doubt that a tech will be able to do it manually.

NTVDM.EXE Error

The ntvdm.exe is another matter. This happens when you are trying to run a 16-bit program in a 32-bit environment. Have you installed anything new lately that you can easily remove? It can also be caused by malware, which can be a problem if you can’t access your antivirus programs.

We don’t offer direct support here, but we do recommend an online support company which you might want to try before you resort to reinstalling your operating system.

Hard Drive Data 

If all else fails, you should still be able to get the data off of your hard drive - even though you are experiencing several different problems, hard drive problems don’t appear to be one of them. If you don’t have your data backed up, you can still pull the hard drive and copy it over either as a slave in another PC or by using an enclosure. Once you have your data copied, you can load your Windows CD and choose to install a fresh version of your operating system. Be aware that if you suspect that the cause is malware, anything you back up may be infected, so it might be wise to back up the bare minimum that you need and make sure you run a good antimalware program right after you install the new operating system.

Try some of the suggestions and see if you can get your system up and running. If that doesn’t work, you may want to get some technical help to back up your hard drive and reinstall Windows.

I get the error message “The NTVDM CPU has encountered an illegal instruction” when I try to open applications and it has something to do with the 16 bit MS-DOS subsystem and rundll32.exe. How can I fix this?

NTVDM Error

Yes. So, it would seem that the first thing you need to do is identify the application that is calling the 16-bit subsystem. Basically what is happening is the file that you are trying to use is attempting to access the computer’s memory, but the configuration won’t allow it.

Using Windows System Configuration Tool

Fortunately there is a Windows utility called System Configuration that can help. This tool helps locate problems related to your XP or other install configuration, as I am assuming this one is. You can open and run this utility, which will offer you choices to narrow your troubleshooting efforts. In the past, many users report success after disabling a file called msupdte.exe or the Microsoft Office Startup Menu. You should be able to delete these from the Windows Auto Launch list without losing access to the programs. Here is a link to the Microsoft Support page that offers a tutorial to deal with configuration errors.

Scan for and Protect Against Spyware

Other than the configuration option and the tool above, this problem is sometimes related to spyware infection. When rogue programs install themselves on your machine they can interfere with normal processes. I suggest you download and run a tool like Spyware Doctor right away to check for errors and consider investing in a subscription program for spyware and adware like XoftSpySE by Paretologic.

Repair your Windows Installation

Since there is a communication error occurring in your operating system - as long as you have already ruled out spyware - you can use a Windows utility to repair the installation, which we hope will repair the error. To do this you will need a Windows operating system CD.

1. Put the CD in the disk drive and turn the computer off
2. Power it back up and the system should launch from the CD
3. At the Welcome to Setup screen, press Enter to setup Windows
4. Press F8 to accept the license
5. Use your keyboard arrows to choose your installation, then press R to start the repair
6. Ignore the prompt to press any key to boot from CD if it appears
7. Allow the process to run until completed
8. Reboot your computer
9. Visit Windows Updates and your security software provider to re-update your programs as recent changes will be lost

Contact a Remote Technical Assistant

If none of these suggestions are effective, you might consider contacting a remote technical assistant. If you get into trying to configure your computer and are stuck, a remote tech will help you step by step in real time, so that you can diagnose and treat the issue. We recommend the services available here. I hope this helps, good luck!