DOS window keeps closing?

[whitmark]

I'm using an old DOS program on WinXP, but everytime I hit Enter the window disappears. Is there some way to adjust DOS itself so this doesn't happen? Thanks.

[davidgsmith]

Hey whitmark,
The way to adjust DOS is to look on the back of your computer you will find the DOS adjustment knob. Make sure it is set to '6'. That should do it!

It almost sounds like it does run for awhile.
Tell us more about this program. The fact that you hit the 'enter' key doesn't say much!
My limited knowledge tells me that you are also trying to run a DOS program on basically an NT system, which what xp is kind of anyway.
Others will know more and advise.

Dave



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Check Ledger 2001 *** Help others less fortunate.

[AlaricD]

Try this:

Run CMD.EXE, which will run the Windows XP DOS-style window. At the prompt, type "command /p" and hit enter. You'll get a new command prompt which cannot be EXITed. Then from that prompt, run the program. If the program still exits, it will still leave you at the prompt and may leave any error messages in the window.

You might also try setting up the program with the Compatibility settings so it runs as if it were under Windows 95 or Windows 98. (Not presently on an XP system, but you would right-click the .EXE, get the properties, and there should be a tab called "Compatibility". You may also need to force it to use 640x480 and 256 colors)

------------------
Am386DX-40 + Cx387DX-40
32MB, 128KB cache
(2) 540MB HD's
8x CD
2MB Video
SB16 PnP
DR-DOS 7.04
Win3.11 w/ Win32s
--
Just because it's unusual doesn't make it a virus!
Ping is NOT an acronym!

[whitmark]

Tried the compatability option. Made no difference. When I bring up the CMD (DOS) window it gives me C:\Windows\system32? How would I enter the name of the program from that, if say it resided on my desktop? Thanks.

[AlaricD]

Once you are in a CMD.EXE window, first type command /p.

This will change your prompt slightly.

If the program is on your desktop, then type cd \docume~1 and press enter.

I don't know the username you use, but from here you can find out the MS-DOS name that is given to your user directory by typing dir /ad which will list the directories in here. Find the one that shows your username, and determine the MS-DOS name by taking the first 6 letters of that name (minus spaces), and adding a ~1 to the end. That works in most cases. For example, if your username was "Mark Whit" then the MS-DOS name would be markwh~1. So, type cd markwh~1 and press enter. You should be in your user directory now. Then type cd desktop to get to your desktop.

Now, just type the name of the program you wish to run.




------------------
Am386DX-40 + Cx387DX-40
32MB, 128KB cache
(2) 540MB HD's
8x CD
2MB Video
SB16 PnP
DR-DOS 7.04
Win3.11 w/ Win32s
--
Just because it's unusual doesn't make it a virus!
Ping is NOT an acronym!

[whitmark]

Don't really understand this username function. After following the procedure you outlined I get a list of several names. I suspect I'm "Owner". How would I proceed if that were the case? Thanks.

[AlaricD]

Originally posted by whitmark:
Don't really understand this username function. After following the procedure you outlined I get a list of several names. I suspect I'm "Owner". How would I proceed if that were the case? Thanks.

Then substitute "owner" for the directory under \docume~1 .

You could also do dir /s filename.exe wherein filename.exe is replaced by the name of that DOS program you are trying to run, then you'll know what directory to change to.

------------------
Am386DX-40 + Cx387DX-40
32MB, 128KB cache
(2) 540MB HD's
8x CD
2MB Video
SB16 PnP
DR-DOS 7.04
Win3.11 w/ Win32s
--
Just because it's unusual doesn't make it a virus!
Ping is NOT an acronym!



[This message has been edited by AlaricD (edited 03-23-2002).]