How Windows Identifies Multiple Instances of MS-DOS Programs

 Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q65679
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a

SUMMARY

If you run more than one instance of the same MS-DOS-based program at a time under Microsoft Windows version 3.0, Windows can identify the different instances with a number of dots. For example, the MS-DOS Prompt is normally labeled "COMMAND." under its icon when minimized. The second MS-DOS Prompt will be labeled "COMMAND.." under its icon. The third will be labeled as "COMMAND..." under its icon.

The information in this article applies to Windows 3.0 and 3.0a; it does not apply to later versions of Windows.

MORE INFORMATION

When you use ALT+TAB to switch between programs, the different number of dots will display at the top of the screen with the program name. This feature can be used to identify which of several different, otherwise identical programs is currently selected without actually entering the program instance.

KBCategory: kbother kbdisplay
KBSubcategory: win30
Additional reference words: 3.00 3.0 3.0a 3.00a win30

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Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
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