Error Message: The Video Device Failed to Initialize for Fullscreen Mode

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This article was previously published under Q286256

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SYMPTOMS

If you start a 16-bit MS-DOS-based program during a Terminal Services client session in which the client computer is connected to a Windows 2000-based server that is running Terminal Services in Application Server mode, you may receive the following error message:

16 bit MS-DOS Subsystem - The video device failed to initialize for fullscreen mode. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.

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CAUSE

This issue occurs because 16-bit MS-DOS-based programs that are installed on Windows 2000-based servers are set to run in Full-Screen mode by default, but MS-DOS windows cannot open in Full-Screen mode during a Terminal Services session. For additional information about MS-DOS windows in Terminal Services client sessions, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

192190 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/192190/EN-US/ ) MS-DOS Window Does Not Allow Full-Screen Option

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RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue:

Open the properties of the shortcut to the MS-DOS-based program.
On the General tab, click to clear the Read-only check box if it is selected.
Click the Screen tab, click Window, and then click OK.

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