Best Answer: Error Message: Cannot run 16-bit Windows program: Insufficient memory to run this application. Quit one or more Windows applications and then try again. Translation: We like this error report because we can kill two birds with one stone. First, there’s the error message itself, and then there’s the confusion most new users have when it comes to the various 16-bit and 32-bit components and software applications installed on their PCs. Any number of factors can cause this error message.

I keep getting this message when I try to install a CD for my son's game, Deer Hunter 4. 'Can't run 16 bit Windows program. Insufficient memory to run this. Solar Electric Handbook more. When I start up my computer, this box pops up. Cant run 16-bit Windows program. Insufficient memory to run this application. Quit one or more Windows.

Some WinXP users report getting the error because they have older versions of Microsoft Office (prior to Office 97) installed on their computers, and others report seeing it when they attempt to access their CD-RW (CD-rewriteable) or DVD-ROM drives. You can remove or upgrade Office or contact your CD-RW or DVD-ROM manufacturer for help if you get an “insufficient memory” error related to a 16-bit program. In this case, however, the error most likely is caused by a legacy DOS or 16-bit Windows program trying to load itself when WinXP boots. A legacy application that’s incompatible with WinXP will cause trouble at startup if it’s trying to load. Depending on the applications installed on the computer, some load themselves automatically when Windows boots so they are always on. Antivirus programs are prime examples of this, and there’s a good chance if you upgrade to WinXP from an older version of the OS (operating system) and choose to retain your old settings, some of those auto-launching apps may come along for the ride.

Solution: Checking to see what programs load automatically is easy. Click Start, expand All Programs, and expand the Startup entry.

The shortcut for the rogue application may be stored there, and you can delete or move the shortcut out of the folder to stop loading the associated application automatically. Chances are that the rogue application is not listed, so dig deeper: Click Start and Run, type MSCONFIG in the field, and click OK. Select the Startup tab and you’ll see a bunch of programs listed: some of them important, some not. You can prevent any program from starting automatically by removing the check from the box next to its name.

The tough part is differentiating between the critical applications and the extraneous ones. Sometimes you can tell by looking at the folder the program is stored in (listed in the Command section of the window). If the folder is System32 or another folder where you know important applications are installed, you should double-check before disabling programs stored there. You can also type the name of any Startup Item into the Google ( search engine to get an idea of what the application does and whether it’s safe to disable it. If you make a mistake, you can always go back in and check the box to re-enable the application. Regarding 16-bit vs. 32-bit: Never confuse your monitor’s color bit depth with the number of bits your computer’s CPU can process.