how come when i run the quake 3 setup on my actual quake 3 disc it runs fine, but when i try to run it from the iso on my virtual drive it gives me that 16bit application error? says it cant run an ms-dos thing with windows, i dont get it considering the real quake 3 disc doesnt say that.

Please stop creating multiple treads for the same problem.

I already told you that we can't help you with downloaded game.

If you have original one, try to create ISO of that one using Ultra ISO or Alcohol120. It worked for me, when I got one of my games scratched badly.

sorry for the multi threading, hmm, well i dont have a cd-r thats the thing

You don't need CD-R to create ISOs. Just regular CD or DVD drive will do fine.

If you are running it without dos-box, make sure your ISO making software has all emulation options enabled.

Probable answer to your question.