| Previous | Next |
| STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_PROTECT | STATUS_LOGON_SERVER_CONFLICT |
STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_WIN_16
A 16-bit Windows executable reached a modern image-loading path
This status identifies an older Windows executable model rather than a malformed modern PE file. Current 64-bit Windows systems do not provide the NTVDM environment used to run 16-bit Windows applications, and even supported legacy configurations require a specific compatibility subsystem.
The program may be the actual application, an old setup bootstrapper, or a helper embedded in otherwise newer media. Replacing only the launcher is insufficient if later components also contain 16-bit code or installers.
What to inspect
- Identify whether the failing file is the main program, setup stub, uninstaller, or a transitive helper.
- Inventory all executables in the deployment media for 16-bit NE or related legacy formats.
- Use a supported virtualized legacy environment or obtain a vendor-supplied 32-bit or 64-bit build.
- Do not disable signature or compatibility protections; they cannot translate 16-bit instructions and APIs.
References
- Microsoft Open Specifications: NTSTATUS values
- Microsoft: PE and COFF format
- LLVM: llvm-readobj COFF inspection
- Wine source: PE module loader
Looking for a different code? Search another status or error code.