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TOS Error -32

Atari ST Retro Computer

Severity: Moderate

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

Atari ST TOS Error -32 — Function Not Implemented

What Does This Error Mean?

TOS error -32 is GEMDOS "function not implemented" — sometimes called EINVFN.
A program tried to call a system function that the version of TOS in your machine doesn't support.
Most common when running newer software on older TOS ROMs (1.00 or 1.02), or when running Atari TT/Falcon software on a base ST.
Either upgrade the TOS ROMs or use software that matches your TOS version.

Affected Models

  • Atari 520ST
  • Atari 1040ST
  • Atari Mega ST
  • Atari STE
  • Atari Mega STE
  • Atari TT030
  • Atari Falcon030

Common Causes

  • Software written for TOS 1.04+ running on TOS 1.00/1.02
  • TT/Falcon software running on a regular ST
  • Corrupted program file calling unknown function
  • Use of unsupported MultiTOS or MagiC features under plain TOS

How to Fix It

  1. Check your TOS version.

    Open the Desk menu and click 'Desktop Info'.
    The TOS version is shown — 1.00, 1.02, 1.04 (Rainbow), 1.62, 2.06, 3.x or 4.x.
    1.00 and 1.02 are the original 520ST/1040ST ROMs.
    1.04 and later added many GEMDOS functions.

  2. Match the software to your TOS.

    If your TOS is 1.00 or 1.02, look for a version of the program from before 1989.
    Many disk-based programs come in 'old TOS' and 'new TOS' versions.
    Some shareware sites still list the requirements clearly.

  3. Consider upgrading the TOS ROMs.

    On older STs the TOS lives in socketed ROM chips on the motherboard.
    Replacement TOS 2.06 EPROM sets are still made by enthusiasts and sell for around 30-50 USD.
    Fitting takes care — anti-static, gentle removal, correct orientation.
    If you've never opened an ST, get a friend who has.

  4. For TT/Falcon software on an ST: stop.

    If the program needs the 68030 or DSP, no software fix will help.
    Run it on a TT030 or Falcon030 instead — or use a Hatari emulator set to 'Falcon'.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don't all programs check TOS version before running?

Many do, but plenty of small utilities and demos from the late 1980s shipped without version checks.
They simply assumed everyone was on the latest TOS.
Hitting -32 was the result on machines that still ran 1.00 from the factory.