I have seen this in an enterprise environment where we use a software
distribution system. I suspect a Microsoft patch or update could have
overwritten or damaged the file. But like you said this would seem to be
a critical system file and without you can not perform any software
installations without this particular file.
 
I am also looking forward to seeing an answer for this problem if anyone
else has an idea or opinion.

-----Original Message-----
From: Personal Computer Hardware discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Hugh Vandervoort
Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 2:40 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [PCBUILD] Autoexec.nt missing

I was trying to install AVG on a Dell 4500S today and got a 16 Bit 
Subsystem error. I was also unable to turn on XP's firewall. I 
subsequently discovered Autoexec.NT was missing.
This is a reasonably well maintained machine with a timid user who only 
uses it for email. Her 20-something daughter occasionally uses it for 
email also.
I was able to extract the file and solve the problem, but I'm wondering 
how this important file could have gone missing. The logs show no signs 
of viruses or Spyware.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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