Chapter 39: Running DOS Programs and Commands

Using the Command Prompt Window

Previous versions of Windows could run DOS programs in two different ways: as an application running in Windows or as a stand-alone program in a DOS environment. In Windows XP, the MS-DOS mode is no longer available, although you are welcome to boot your computer using a floppy disk that has DOS on it. But if you do so, most extended DOS services will not be available unless you have taken the time to prepare a bootable DOS floppy with all the necessary DOS programs or have a fully configured DOS hard disk and partition management software. Preparing such a floppy is a tedious process at best.

If you have an Emergency Boot Disk for Windows 98, hold onto it. You might want to use it to start your computer in DOS mode, although when running DOS, you won't be able to read any disks formatted with NTFS.

The most convenient way to run most DOS programs is in a Command Prompt window (or DOS window), as shown in Figure 39-1. Windows creates a virtual machine for the DOS program--a special hardware and software environment that emulates enough of the features of a stand-alone environment to allow most DOS programs to run correctly. DOS programs that don't use extensive graphics can usually run within a Command Prompt window, sharing the screen with Windows applications. Programs that require full access to the screen hardware can also take over the screen while Windows continues to run in the background.

Figure 39-1: The Command Prompt window

Since Windows doesn't give the DOS program full control of the system, DOS programs running in a Command Prompt window can run side by side with Windows applications, and even with other DOS applications. Some DOS programs are Windows aware, so that even though they don't run as Windows applications, they can check whether they're running under Windows and handle their screen and keyboard in a way that lets them run efficiently in Windows.