Now can't read CD-ROM or pdf file; strange message

This is the message I now get from my laptop when I
try to read a CD-ROM. I was previously able to read
this very CD-ROM on my laptop, and I can still read
this CD-ROM on my tower computer. My laptop runs
Windows XP and the tower runs Windows 98.

In the blue bar on top of the message, it says:
16 bit Windows Subsystem

The message is:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\AUTOEXEC.NT The system file is
not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows
applications. Choose "close" to terminate the
application.

Then there are two buttons to choose, close or ignore.
If I choose ignore, nothing happens.

I get this same message when I try to open a PDF file
on the laptop. I have downloaded and installed Adobe
Reader and everything else about the installation
appeared to be successful.

Help would sure be appreciated!

Bill Conklin

 

Hi Bill,

Follow the instructions here, http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767

Note: One of our senior members (Adrynalyne) suggest this extra step.

There is either spyware or viruses modifying these files, even after replacing them. So before rebooting on the replacement step, set all files to read only.

Let us know.

Steve