General Tips for Using MS-DOS ModeLast reviewed: June 25, 1997Article ID: Q134400 |
The information in this article applies to:
SUMMARYYou can use MS-DOS mode in Windows 95 to run MS-DOS-based programs that require exclusive use of all your computer's resources. This article contains tips on how to configure MS-DOS mode.
MORE INFORMATIONWindows 95 normally uses MS-DOS mode when it detects that a program requires it. If the program you want to run is not recognized by Windows 95, you receive an error message stating that the program cannot be run within Windows. You can then manually configure the program to use MS-DOS mode. Once you configure a program to use MS-DOS mode, double-clicking the program's icon causes Windows 95 to switch to MS-DOS mode automatically. Before switching to this mode, Windows 95 ends all running tasks, loads a real-mode copy of MS-DOS, and loads customized Autoexec.bat and Config.sys files if appropriate. When you exit MS-DOS mode, Windows 95 restarts.
Configuring MS-DOS ModeTo configure an MS-DOS-based program to run in MS-DOS mode, you should have a shortcut icon for the program. If there is no shortcut icon for the program, use the right mouse button to click the program's icon, and then click Create Shortcut on the menu that appears. Once there is a shortcut icon for the program, follow these steps to configure the program to use MS-DOS mode:
Specifying a New MS-DOS configurationTo change the configuration to suit the program, follow these steps:
For additional information, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
ARTICLE-ID: Q77083 TITLE: Optimizing Your Use Of Upper Memory Blocks Default Changes to Configuration FilesWhen you start MS-DOS mode, new Config.sys and Autoexec.bat files are created. The following lines are added automatically by Windows 95: The first line of the Config.sys file:
DOS=SINGLEThe last lines of the Autoexec.bat file:
REM REM The following lines have been created by Windows. REM Do not modify them. CD \<directory of the application> CALL <name of application> <Windows>\WIN.COM /WXThe line "DOS=SINGLE" causes your computer to start in MS-DOS mode. The "Call" line starts the MS-DOS-based program. The "WIN.COM /WX" command restarts Windows 95 with the normal configuration.
Troubleshooting
REFERENCESFor additional information about the process that occurs when you restart your computer in MS-DOS mode, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
ARTICLE-ID: Q138996 TITLE : Description of Restarting Computer in MS-DOS ModeFor additional information about games that require or perform better in MS- DOS mode, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
ARTICLE-ID: Q132994 TITLE : Games (A-H) Requiring or Performing Better in MS-DOS Mode ARTICLE-ID: Q132995 TITLE : Games (I-Q) Requiring or Performing Better in MS-DOS Mode ARTICLE-ID: Q132996 TITLE : Games (R-Z) Requiring or Performing Better in MS-DOS ModeMicrosoft Windows 95 "Resource Kit," Chapter 22, Application Support
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