Re: Windows 95 and DOS mode

> Re: Windows 95 and DOS mode
>
> > True, but when you restart the computer in DOS mode (to play one of your
> > older DOS games that you just can't live without) you will find that you ha
> > no access to your CD-ROM, mouse, sound card, or network.  You will have to
> > create a shortcut to MS-DOS with the original DOS Config.Sys and Autoexec.B
> > and leave it on your desktop.  Then use this to go to DOS mode, instead of
> > using the Shutdown Menu.
> > Badman
> > PS - If anyone is having trouble with this, post or mail me and I'll mail y
> > complete instructions on how the best way to set up a DOS mode in Win95.
> > Used to work for Origin tech support, so I know a little about this stuff.
> How about posting it here. I'm sure I'm not the only one asking for this....

All right, Sparky, here's the deal...(I've always wanted to say that.)

This is the method for running DOS programs that is GUARENTEED not to screw
up anything else in your Windows 95 system.  And it will allow you to create
custom icons for all of your DOS programs.

Right-click anywhere on your desktop.  When the menu comes up, choose "New",
then choose "Shortcut".  When the Shortcut Wizard asks for the command line
of the program that you wish to run, type in "C:\COMMAND.COM" (without the
quotes of course).  Click on "Next" and the Wizard will ask you what to name
the shortcut.  Delete the "MS-DOS Prompt" name that it gives you, and type in
the name of the DOS program this shortcut is for.  Click on "Finish", and in
just a moment, you'll have a new DOS icon bearing the name of your program on
your desktop.

Think we're finished?  We're just getting started.  Right-click on the new
icon we just made, then choose "Properties" from the menu that pops up.  When
the Shortcut Properties screen appears, like on the "Program" tab at the top,
then click on the "Advanced" button at the bottom.  Another screen entitled
Advanced Program Settings will appear.  Put the check mark next to "MS-DOS
Mode", then put the bullet next to "Specify a new MS-DOS Configuration".  Two
text boxes will light up underneath, one for your custom Config.Sys file, the
other for your custom Autoexec.Bat.  Set these up based on the install guide
of whatever program you are trying to run.  When you're finished, click "OK"
until you get back to the desktop.

What does this shortcut do?  Well, when you double-click it, the computer
will shut down, then go into whatever DOS mode you specified in those custom
startup files you included.  Which means that if one game requires EMS, you
can write an EMS boot shortcut for it.  If another requires XMS and net
access, you can write an XMS boot for it, and include your net drivers as
well.  Once you are done running your program, type "EXIT" at any DOS prompt
to reboot the computer and go back to Windows.

This is much better than trying to run everything by restarting the computer
in DOS mode.  You often lose drivers this way, and have no way to customize
this (short of editing your ORIGINAL Config.Sys and Autoexec.Bat, which you
shouldn't do unless absolutely necesarry).

Any questions?  Post!

Badman