"Invalid COMMAND.COM" Restarting Computer in MS-DOS Mode

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you choose the "Restart the computer in MS-DOS mode" option in the Shut Down Windows dialog box and then click OK, you may receive the error message "Invalid COMMAND.COM," or the screen may go black and then Windows restarts.

CAUSE

This error can occur if the "Exit to Dos.pif" file points to a different version of COMMAND.COM from the one loaded in the computer's memory. This error can also occur if the "Exit to Dos.pif" file or the Dosprmpt.pif file is set to a directory other than Windows.

RESOLUTION

To make sure that the correct COMMAND.COM file is pointed to by the "Exit to Dos.pif" file and the "MS-Dos Prompt.pif" file, follow these steps:

1. In My Computer or Windows Explorer, use the right mouse button to click the "Exit to Dos.pif" file in the Windows folder, then click Properties on the menu that appears.

2. On the Program tab, make sure that command in the Cmd Line box points to the COMMAND.COM file in the Windows folder.

3. Repeat steps 1-2 for the Dosprmpt.pif file.

MORE INFORMATION

If on the Program tab in the properties for the "Exit to DOS.pif" file the Close On Exit check box is not selected, you see the error message. If this check box is selected, Windows restarts and you may not be able to see the error message.