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What is NTVDM and why would I need it?

Hi all,

I have an HP zv6000 laptop fully updated on which I am currently dual booting with Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit and the Windows 10 Preview 64 bit build 9879. Today I got a message that I needed to install NTVDM of one of my Apps would not function properly.  I am not sure which apps would need this file to be installed. The only 3rd party apps that I have installed is MS Word 13, FoxIt Reader and 7Zip.

I have been a long time Tech Beta Tester and have dual booted many, many times and have never had this message before. So, I am not sure that it is referring to, or if I actually do need it. I don't like adding things that are not really necessary as it can cause problems. 

Are there any Apps associated with the Win10 Preview that would require this file to be installed for dual booting?

Answer
Answer
NTVDM stands for NT Virtual Dos Machine. It is not installed by default in Windows 10. It was introduced with Windows Vista as a compatibility component for older programs.  It you are installing or running older programs, Windows 10 will identify the need for NTVDM and ask you to install it. Once installed, you should not see a request for the component to be installed again.

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Jan

NTVDM is a system component of all IA-32 editions of the Windows NT family which allows execution of 16-bit Windows and 16-bit / 32-bit DOS applications.  I suspect Foxit uses it but am unsure.  In any case you can check your event user logs to find out what is kicking off that message.

It is not because of the dual boot

Cat herder
Windows Insider MVP
MVP-Windows and Devices for IT
http://www.zigzag3143.com/

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Last updated January 16, 2024 Views 44,675 Applies to: