1. You have tried to run the file by opening a DOS Prompt window, navigating to the folder in which the file has been placed, typed the name of the file at the prompt, and pressed "Enter". This type of self-extracting file does not extract properly this way. Instead, you must open Windows Explorer, navigate to the folder in which you have place the file, and double-click on the name of the file to launch it - it will now extract properly.

2. The PC is configured to run a command prompt in compatibility mode instead of the default settings of an MS-DOS Prompt. In order for the self-extracting utility to work properly, the MS-DOS Prompt must NOT be run in DOS compatibility mode. To change this:

and press enter. (This makes sure you are loading command.com with its default settings rather than loading it from a shortcut that may have overridden the default. I am assuming that you will extract the soundfont by opening Windows Explorer, navigating to the folder you saved the downloaded file in, and double-clicking on the file name. This process will launch command.com with its default parameters. The shortcut on your start menu to MS-DOS Prompt might run command.com differently.)

2. Right-click on the title bar of the command prompt, and left click on the word "Properties" on the context-sensitive menu that opens.

3. Click on the "Advanced" button on the "Program" tab

4. Remove the check mark from the box "Prevent MS-DOS-based programs from detecting Windows"; the settings should look like the graphic below, with only the "Suggest MS-DOS mode as necessary" checked:

5. Close the MS DOS Prompt, and restart it again for the new settings to take effect.

6. Rerun the self-extracting sfArk program - it will now begin extracting without the error message.