PRB: "Unable to start DDE communication with Program Manager" (140096)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 3.0
This article was previously published under Q140096

SYMPTOMS

When you run Setup.exe to install a Visual FoxPro application, you may receive this error:
Unable to start DDE communication with Program Manager

CAUSE

This error occurs when you are using a shell other than Program Manager for Windows or Explorer for Windows 95. For example, Norton Desktop for Windows version 2.0 does not handle shell dynamic data exchange (DDE). For compatibility reasons, Progman.exe does not perform DDE unless it is the active shell in Windows 95.

RESOLUTION

To avoid this error, use Explorer.exe as the shell for Windows 95 and Program Manager for Windows 3.1. You can load Norton Desktop for Windows as an application.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Norton Desktop for Windows, version 2.0 is manufactured by Symantec, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

To deactivate Norton Desktop as the shell, replace shell=ndw.exe with shell=progman.exe in the [boot] section of the System.ini file using the following steps:

For Windows 95:

  1. Click the Start button, and then click Run.
  2. Type system.ini in the Open box, and click OK.
  3. Replace shell=ndw.exe with shell=progman.exe in the [boot] section.
  4. Save and close the file.
For windows version 3.x:

  1. Use Notepad or some other text editor to open the System.ini file.
  2. Replace shell=ndw.exe with shell=progman.exe in the [boot] section.
  3. Save and close the file.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/11/1999
Keywords:kberrmsg KB140096
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