Contents

Batch processing.............................................................................13
How to create a filename.........................................................13
The Autoexec.bat file..............................................................13
Introduction to DOS.........................................................................2 How to create an Autoexec.bat file.........................................14

Terms you should know:..................................................................2 New ways to do familiar tasks.......................................................14

Program.....................................................................................2 MS-DOS overview...........................................................................14

Files...........................................................................................2
How to give file name?.............................................................2 New ways to do familiar tasks.......................................................14
Directory...................................................................................2
Volume Label............................................................................2
Disk Drive.................................................................................2
Drive Name/Default Drive........................................................2
Command..................................................................................2
Memory.....................................................................................3

Command..........................................................................................3
Attrib [E]...................................................................................3
Chdir (cd) [I].............................................................................3
Cls [I]........................................................................................4
Copy [I].....................................................................................4
Date [I]......................................................................................4
Del [I]........................................................................................4
Deltree [E].................................................................................4
Dir [I]........................................................................................4
Diskcomp [E]............................................................................5
Diskcopy [E].............................................................................5
Exit [I].......................................................................................5
Find[E]......................................................................................5
Format [E].................................................................................5
Label [E]....................................................................................6
Mem [E]....................................................................................6
Mkdir (md) [I]...........................................................................6
More [I].....................................................................................6
Path [I].......................................................................................6
Prompt [I]..................................................................................6
Ren [I].......................................................................................8
Rmdir (rd) [I].............................................................................8
Sort [I].......................................................................................8
Start [E].....................................................................................8
Sys [E].......................................................................................8
Time [I].....................................................................................8
Type [I]......................................................................................9
Ver [I]........................................................................................9
Vol [I]........................................................................................9
Xcopy [E]..................................................................................9

Handling the disk..............................................................................9

Floppy Disks.............................................................................9

Editing the data file (Edit)..............................................................10

file Menu.................................................................................10
Edit Menu................................................................................11
Search Menu:...........................................................................11
View menu:..............................................................................11

Wild card Characters.....................................................................12

More About files and Directories ..................................................12

Multilevel Directories.............................................................12
Path and pathname..................................................................12

MS-DOS Error Message Directory...............................................12

Introduction to DOS
The set of program that acts as interface
between user and computer is called Disk
Operating Systems (DOS). Mainly there are two
functions of an operating system. One is, it works
as language translator between user and
computer and another is, it works as interface
between hardware and software. It is associated
with the disk operations.
It is usually called bootstrap loader
because when we switch on the computer the
program reads the very first part of the system
diskette where DOS startup program is written,
which is called Boot Reader.
Terms you should know:
Program
Programs, often called application
programs, applications, or software, are a series
of instructions written in computer languages.
These instructions are stored in files and tell a
computer to perform a task. Spreadsheets and
word processors are examples of programs.
Files
The collection of Data and information is
called files. There are two types of files i.e.
system files and data files.
The files which operate the system
(computer) are called System Files and the files,
which store the simple information and data
given by user is called Data Files.
Main system files need to boot computer in
DOS:
• Msdos.sys
• Io.sys
• Command.com
How to give file name?
File name contain two Part i.e. primary
name and secondary name e.g. National.txt. In
above example national, which is in the left of (.)
is called primary name and txt after (.) is called
secondary (or extension). In case of primary
name we should not give more than 8 characters
and in case of extension we should not give more
than 3 characters. And we should use 0-9 or a-z
in file name. If we give character like (\ / . , ) it will
be invalid.
2
Directory
Directory is the part of the disk in which we
can store files and sub-directories. If we suppose
disk a house then directory is a room of the
house. The main purpose of creating directories is
to separate files in some finite location so that we
can find the file easily and quickly.
Volume Label
When we use a new disk, you can put a
label on the outside of it to identify its contents.
You can also give each disk an internal name
which is called volume Label.
Disk Drive
To use the files or programs on a floppy
disk, you must first insert the disk into a floppy
disk drive. Floppy disk drives are commonly
referred to as the A drive and the B drive. A hard
disk drive, normally installed inside your
computer, is usually referred to as the C drive.
Drive Name/Default Drive
A complete drive name consists of a drive
letter and a colon. While using MS-DOS you may
need to type drive name. So you should know the
default names of drives. A: and B: referred to
floppy drive and c: and d: that usually referred to
Hard disk drive.
Changing the default drive
To change the default drive, type the letter
of the desired drive, followed by a colon and
press the ENTER key. For example, if you are
working primarily with files on drive a, it is easier
to change the default drive to A, rather than
typing the letter a, followed by a colon, with
every command and filename. For example type
a: to change to floppy drive.
Command
When you type MS-DOS commands, you
are asking the computer to perform tasks. For
example, when you use the xcopy command to
copy the files of a directory, you are using a file
named xcopy.exe, whose task is to copy the files
o any directory on the MS-DOS.
There are two types of command they are
Internal command and External command
Internal Command: The commands which
source file is command.com and will be loaded
when the DOS is loaded in your computer is
called internal commands.
MsDOS 8/12/2009
Examples: copy con, cls, dir, date, time, type, Command
del, set etc.
Attrib [E]
External commands: The command which is
not included in the command.com file and need Syntax:
the external (separate file) is called external Attrib [±r] [±s] [±h] [±a] [drive:] pathname [/s]
command. Where +r sets the read-only attribute of a
Examples: copydisk, attrib, more, move, format, file. –R disables read-only mode. +a sets the
deltree. archive attribute of a file. –a clears the archive
attribute of a file. +h sets the hide attribute of
the file. –h clears the hide attribute of the file. +s
sets system attribute of the file and –s clears the
Memory system attribute of the file.
Memory is the place in your computer
where information is actively used. When you Description: The attrib command sets special
run a program, MS-DOS stores the program attribute to the file by which we can protect our
and files it uses in the computer’s available file from being deleted or edited. You can use
memory. There is mainly two kind of memory wildcards to specify a group of files. The
i.e. RAM (Random Access memory) ROM attributes of those files matching filename are
displayed or modified based on the switch
(Read Only Memory).
selection. Attrib doesn’t accept a directory name
How to start Dos prompt from windows as a valid filename. /s in the syntax specifies all
1. Click to (Start) button. the sub directories and path specified.
2. click to Run
3. Type command and press enter. Example: In the given example report.txt is a file
Or name and book is a directory and you are giving
1. Click to (Start) button. attributes i.e.
2. click to Program +r for read only attribute
3. click to Ms-dos prompt +s for system attribute
+h for hide attribute
+a for archive attribute

Attrib +r +s +a +h report.txt
Attrib +h book/s
Or
Attrib nmsag.txt +r +s +a +h
Attrib book/s -h
Where /s lets you give attribute to all the
sub-directories and files.
To clear the attribute
Attrib –h –s –a –r nmsag.txt

Note: Here E exist for external command and I

exist for internal command.

Chdir (cd) [I]

Syntax:
Cd [path]

Description: The chdir (cd) command changes

the working directory to the directory you specify,
or displays the working directory.

Example:
C:\cd home
Where home is a directory name.
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C:\home>cd\ (or cd..)
Here cd\ is use to exit to the root directory. Directorie file

Cls [I] Date [I]

Syntax:
Syntax:
Cls
Date [mm-dd-yy]
Description: The cls command clears your
Description: This command displays or sets the
screen, leaving only the MS-DOS prompt and
date.
cursor.
Example:
Example: you may find it more comfortable to
Date 3-9-88
work with a “Clean Slate.” If you want to start a
Where 3-7-88 is current date.
new process with a clear screen, type
Cls
Del [I]
Copy [I] Syntax:
Del [filename][/p]
Syntax:
Description: This command deletes the
To copy files: specified files. The /p switch causes Del prompt
Copy [Drive]\[Directory]\(File Name)[/v][/a][/b]
[Drive]\[Directory]\(Filename) you before a deletion actually occurs. If the
switch is specified, each file is displayed and you
And to append fines: are prompted with filename, delete (Y/N)? You
can either confirm the delete with a Y or cancel
Copy [Directory]\ (File Name) + [Directory]\ (File Name) the delete with an N.
[Directory]\ (Filename)
Example: this example will delete the file nms
from c:\
Description: This command copies one or
Del c:\nms
more files to another location. It also appends
files.
Also note
Deltree [E]
Copy Con <filename> can be used to create Syntax:
a file that copies the content of screen. In Deltree [drive:]\(directory)
other word it creates a file.
The copy command accepts the following Description: This command is used to delete the
switches: tree system of the directory. This command is
/v Causes DOS to verify that the used to delete the directory with subdirectory and
sectors written on the target disk are recorded files as well as to delete files. Where lets you
properly delete directory without any conformation.
Example:
Copy nms nmsag Warning ! Do not use this command
Copy con nms.txt unless you are sure that the directory is
1. Which copy nms file to nmsag useless.
2. create a file called nms.txt
Note: If you choose Copy con syntax then in Dir [I]
next line you have to type the text that Syntax:
DOS copies to the file and to end this mode Dir [drive:]\pathname[/option]
you have to press F6 function key or
Ctrl+z Description: The dir command lists all directory
entries in the working directory on the default
C:\>Copy a:\shiba\prince.exe drive. Dir also lets the drive’s volume label and
C:\>games\prince.exe volume serial number. And size and space
occupied of the drive.

4
MsDOS 8/12/2009
st
Example: 1 example will list all files of working
directory. 2nd example will display all files of
nmsag directory. 3rd directory will display if there
is the given files or not where bag is a file name
Dir
Dir nmsag
Dir bag
Diskcomp [E]
Syntax:
Diskcomp [drive1:] [drive 2:]
Where drive1 is the source drive. Drive w2
is the target drive.
Description: Diskcomp compares the contents
of the disk in the source drive to the disk in the
target drive. It performs a track by track
comparison of the disks. It automatically
determines the number of sides and sectors per
track based on the format of the source disk.
Example: This example compares the disk in a:
with another disk in a: which it will ask to you.
Diskcomp A: B:
Where B: drive will also indicate drive A:
Diskcopy [E]
Syntax:
Diskcopy [drive1:] [drive2]
Where drive1 is the source drive. Drive2 is the
target drive.
Description: This command copies the contents
of the floppy disk in the source drive to a
formatted or unformatted floppy disk in the target
drive. The size of the disk should be same.
Example: This example copies all files and
directories of drive A: to drive B:
Diskcopy A: B:
Exit [I]
Syntax:
Exit
Description: It is used to exit to previous
windows or application from where MS-DOS
started in Shell mode.
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Example: Where exit command is use to exit to
the windows in windows 95 or above version.
Exit
Find[E]
Syntax:
Find[/v][/c][/n] “string”
[[drive:]\[directory]\(filename)]
Where: string is a group of characters you
want to search for.
Description: The find command looks for
string(Text) in one or more files. After searching
the specified files, find displays any lines it has
found that contain the specified string.
The find command takes following switches:
/V Displays all lines NOT containing the
specified string.
/C Displays only the count of lines containing
the string.
/N Displays line numbers with the displayed
lines.
/I Ignores the case of characters when
searching for the string.
Example: The following command displays all
lines from file pencil.ad that contain the string
“Pencil Sharpener”:
Find “pencil sharpener” pencil.ad
Format [E]
Syntax:
Format [drive:]
Description: The format command creates the
directory and the file allocation tables on a disk.
You can use this command when you have doubt
that your disk has some error.
Example:
Format a:
The format command accepts the following
switches
/q This switch helps you to do format quickly
/s Transfer the system files (This switch is
available only up to windows 98 version.)
Warning:
Do not use this command to hard disk
drive i.e. c:\>format c: or d:\format d:
it will cause your data lose.
5
 Formatting destroys any previously displays one screen of information at a time.
existing data on a disk and it ignores drive More is commonly used to view long files.
assignments created with the assign command. Example: you may use the dir command, the
sort command, or a filename as a source. The
Label [E] more command then pauses and displays the –
Syntax: More—message at the bottom of your screen.
Label [drive:][label] Press any key to display another screen of
Where label is the new volume label, up to information. Then, keep pressing the key until
11 characters. you have read all the data.

Description: This command creates, changes, or More < nms.txt

deletes the volume label on a disk.
Path [I]
Example: Syntax:
Label windows98 Path[drive:][path];[drive:][path]…….

Mem [E] Description: The main function of path is to

Syntax:
Mem[/program]
Description: This command displays the amount
of used and free memory, lists allocated and
frees memory areas, and programs that are
loaded.
Mem accepts the following switches:
/program displays programs loaded in memory.
Example:
Mem
Mkdir (md) [I]
Syntax:
Md [drive:]\(directory name)
Description: The md command lets you create a
multilevel directory structure. The maximum
length of any single path from the root directory
to the desired level cannot be more than 63
characters, including embedded backslashes.
Example: This example creates the directories
called book and its subdirectory pen.
C:\>Md book
C:\ Md book\pen
More [I]
Syntax:
More<source
Or
source|more
Where source is a file or command.
Description: More is a filter that reads from
standard input (from a pipe o redirected file) and
6
create links with specified directories so that we
need not to give the directory location to run any
program or files of the linked directory. The
maximum length of a command search path is
127 characters. The path command lets you tell
MS-DOS which directories to search for
executable commands – after it searches you
working directory. Executable commands include
files with a filename extension o .com, .exe or
.bat. The default value is no path.
Example: path along with directories name is
used to create path between the directories.
Path; is used to remove the path.
Path is used to see the path.
path
Path= c:\window;c:\windows\command;
Path;
Prompt [I]
Syntax:
Prompt [text][$character]…]
Description: this command lets you change the
Ms dos system prompt (for example, A>). If,
when using the prompt command, you do not
type a new value, the prompt is set to the default
value, which includes the default drive name.
You can use the characters in the prompt
command to create special prompt:
$1 The = character
$$ The $ character
$t The current time
$d The current date
$p The working directory of the default drives
$v The version number
MsDOS 8/12/2009
$n The default drive
$g The > character
$b The | character
$_ To change the ling

National Microsystems) Ltdtd. 7

Example: This example is to change prompt to The sort command accepts the following
switches.
Current time 12:45:00
C:\>
/r reverses the sort; that is, sort from z to
Prompt
a, and then from 9-0
i.e. time in the one line and c:\> in
/+n sorts the file according to the character
the line.
Prompt $t$_$p$g in column n, where n is some number. If you
do not specify this switch, the sort common
Ren [I] sorts the file according to the character in the
Syntax: first column.

Ren [drive][path]\(source filename) [drive]\[path]\(Target Example: the following command reads the
filename) file expenses.txt, sorts it in reverse order,
and displays it on your screen:
Description: The ren command renames all files
Sort/r<expenses.txt
matching source file. However, because you
cannot rename files across disk drives, the en
command ignores any drive name that you Start [E]
specify with new filename. Syntax: Start <filename>

Example: In example 1st new name “ram” is Description: This command is use to open
given to the existing file raj. In 2nd example new windows base file from windows.
name “nmsit” is given to the file nms which is in Example: This example will open the nms.doc
the directory nmsag in c: file from windows directly.
Ren raj ram Start nms.doc
Ren c:\nmsag\nm s nmsit
Ren *.txt *.doc
Sys [E]
Rmdir (rd) [I] Syntax:
Syntax: Sys drive:
Rd [drive:] \ path
Description: The sys command transfers MS-
Description: Rmdir removes an empty directory. DOS system files from the disk in the default
Before you remove the directory you most delete drive to the disk in the specified drive. You must
all files and sub-directories of it. type a drive letter following the sys command. It
will copy io.sys, command.com and msdos.sys
Example: Where hari is an empty directory. files
Rd hari Example: example 1st transfer system files to
drive a: and example 2nd transfer the system to
Sort [I] drive c:
Sys A:
Syntax:
Sys C:
[source]|sort[/r][/+n]
or Note: We use this command when your computer
sort[/r][/+n]<source doesn’t boot and ask for system disk.
where source is a filename or
command. Time [I]
Syntax:
Description: The sort command is a filter Time [hours: minutes[seconds[.hundredths]]]
program that lets you alphabetize a file
accordant to the character in a certain Description: this command allows you to enter
column. or change the time known to the system. MS-
DOS keeps track of time in a 24 hour format, and

8
MsDOS 8/12/2009
uses the time information to update directory /e copies the empty directory
whenever you create or change a file. /s copies the sub-directories also
Example: To set a new time /v copies and verify that the directory is
Time 12:05:00 correctly copied or not

Type [I] Example: We are using xcopy to copy all

contents of drive a’s book directory to drive c’s
Syntax:
bag directory.
Type [drive] \path\ filename
C:\>Xcopy A:\book/s/e/a bag
Description: Type displays the contents of a text
file on the screen. You can use the command to Handling the disk
view a Some time you may have to take and get
Texts file without modifying it. files from one computer to another. So you must
know how to use disk.
Example: 1st helps you to view the data of file
hari. 2nd example helps you to view the data of Floppy Disks
pencil file which is located in pen sub-directory of A floppy disk is a flexible, magnetized plastic
book directory. disk. There are different types of floppy disks but
Type har most common floppy disk is 3.5-inch Disks
Type book\pen\pencil It is some time also called Microfloppy. Its
capacity is 1.44 Mb
Ver [I]
Syntax:
Ver Open read write area

Description: This command is use to know Hub Ring

about the edition of the operating system i.e.
Version.
Protecting screw Write Enable
Write Protect
Vol [I] Label

Syntax: Fig: 3.5-inch floppy disk

Vol [drive:]
Description: Vol displays the disk volume label
and serial number, if they exist. This command
displays the volume label of the disk in a specific
drive. If you do not type a drive letter, MS DOS
displays the volume label of the disk in the
default drive.
Example: We us this example to view the volume
label of floppy drive.
Vol A:
Xcopy [E]
Syntax:
Xcopy [drive:]\[path] [drive:]\[path]/a/e/s/v
Description: Xcopy copies files and directories,
including lower level directories, if they exist.
The xcopy command accepts the following
switches:
/a copies source files that have their archive
bit set.
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Write protection: This is a condition when disk
is only permitted to read not write.
Some conditions to handle of floppy disk.
• When you are in C: and you want to do work
with floppy disk.
There are two ways to use floppy disk
same as wording directories.
1. Type a: to use floppy disk. Then you will see
a:\> prompt instate of c:\>
DO YOUR WORKS like
If you want to list the files of directory as of a:
type dir as and press enter.
If you want to create file type copy con
filename and press enter.
Note: notice that in above commands there is no
change even if it is used in a:. So you can use
your usual commands it floppy drive with no
change.
9
If you are in a: and you want to do work in
c:
If you want to list the files of the directory of c:
type dir c:\as and press enter.
If you want to create file in c: type copy con
c:\filename and press enter.
Note: In this case note that the only different is
that ‘c:\’ is placed in front filename. Which is
actually showing the path i.e. where is the file
located?
2. If you want to do work in a: from c:
If you want to list the files of the directory as a:
from c: type dir a:\as and press enter.
If you want to create file a: type copy con
a:\filename and press enter.
Note: In these examples the differences is that
‘a:\’ is placed in front of filename.
Just compare the above example with it and find
out the differences
Editing the data file (Edit)
Edit is the MS-DOS line editor that you can
use to create text files and save them on your
disks. Edit also helps you to update existing files
by deleting, changing, and inserting lines in
revise files such as memos, letters, reports etc.
To start with edit just type Edit and press enter.
The following screen appears.
Fig Edit screen
There are different menus in edit command
screen.
File Menu
New
10
This command is used to create new
file.
Open
This command is used to open the
existing file. The following dialog box appears
If you want to choose drive or directories choose
it from directories: other wise choose the file
from file list. In the given fig. There is no file so
you have to choose the directory where your file
is located.
Fig. Open file.
Save
This command is used to save the working
file. If you want to choose other location choose
directory otherwise give filename and press
enter. The dialog box is given in the next page.
Save as
This command is used save the working
file in other location or other name which is
already been saved.
Close
This command is used to close the working
file.
Print
This command helps us to print the text
file.
Exit
This command helps use to exit to dos
mode.
MsDOS 8/12/2009
Search Menu:
Find: This command is used to find the text within
the file. The dialog box is given below.
Steps to find the text:
• Give the text to find in filed what space.
• If you want to choose any option given in
the dialog box click to the square bracket
given
• Click to Ok

Fig. Save or Save As dialog box

Find last find
This command is used to find the last
Edit Menu searched text.
Replace:
Copy
This command is used to replace the find.
This command helps us to copy text to
Steps to find and replace the text you want.:
another location. For example if types one
paragraph and in next paragraph one line is same • Type the text to find in Find what square
to the typed paragraph than you can use copy bracket.
command instate of typing the whole sentence • Click to replace if you want to replace only
again. one find otherwise choose replace all.
Steps to copy text
1. To copy text select the text to copy
To select the text use shift and arrow
keys or drag the mouse.
2. Choose copy from edit menu
3. To insert the copied text choose paste
command from edit menu after inserting the
icon to the location where to copy.
Cut
This command is us to move the selected
text from one location to another location.
View menu:
Steps to text Split window:
1. To cut text select the text to copy This command will help you to break
To select the text use shift and arrow window into two windows so that you can work
keys or drag the mouse. easily.
2. Choose cut from edit menu Size windows:
This command will help you to adjust size
3. To insert the copied text choose paste
of the windows.
command from edit menu after inserting the
Close windows:
icon to the location where to copy.
This command will help you to close the
Clear
two windows.
This command is used to clear the
Files name.
unnecessary text.
In the view menu you can find the file
1. To clear text select the text to copy names. By clicking to the file name you can
To select the text use shift and arrow
change the working file.
keys or drag the mouse
Option menu:
2. Choose Clear command from Edit menu.

National Microsystems) Ltdtd. 11

 This command helps you to set the printer
with setting command and color of the windows
and fonts with color command.
Help menu:
This menu contains the help command and
the product detail.
Wild card Characters
Wild card characters i.e. ‘*’ and “?’ are those
characters which helps us to do works easily. Eg.
You can copy numbers o files in one time.
* Stands for file name
*. Stands for secondary(extension) name.
*.* Stands for file name with extension.
? indicates one character.
Examples:
Dir a*.??
This example helps you find all files which
starts with a and have 2 characters as extension.
Copy *.a?
This example helps you copy files which
have a as first character in extension and have 2
character as extension.]
Batch files:
The files which help you to create
environment do start any program easily called
batch files and have .bat as secondary name.
More About files and Directories
Multilevel Directories
When there is more than one user on your
computer, or when you are wiring on several
different projects. The number of files in the
directory can become large and unwieldy. To deal
with this large number of files, you may want to
keep your files separate from a coworker’s, or
organize your programs into convenient
categories.
In an office, you can separate and organize
files that belong to different people or that relate
to specific projects by putting them in different
files cabinets. You can do the same thing with Ms-
DOS by putting your files into different
directories.
Directories let you group your files in
convenient categories. These directories may
contain other directories (referred to as sub-
directories). This organized file structure is
called Multilevel or Hierarchical Directory
System or Tree Structure.
12
Path and pathname
When you use multilevel directories, you
must tell MS-DOS where the files are located in
the directory system. Both book and bag, for
example, have files named sales.txt, so each
would have to tell MS-DOS in which directory your
file resides when you want to use it. This is done
by giving MS-DOS a pathname to the file.
A pathname is a sequence of directories
names followed by a filename. Each directory
name is separated from the previous one by a
backslash ( \ ). A path differs from a pathname in
that it does not include a filename.
The general format of a pathname is
[\directoryname] [\directoryname… ] \
<filename>
The path of sales.txt file is
c:\book\sales.txt.
C:\ indicate root directory.
\book indicates the directory name.
\sales.txt indicates the file name.
MS-DOS Error Message Directory
A selection of the more important MS-DOS
utility and device error messages is listed in this
chapter. Many screen messages are, however,
self-explanatory.
If a disk or device error occurs at any time
during a command or program, MS-DOS displays
Abort, Ignore, Retry, Fail?
MD-DOS waits for you to type one of the following
responses:
A Abort. End the program requesting the disk
read or write.
I Ignore. Ignore the bad sector and pretend
they did not occur. This may result in lost data.
R Retry. Repeat the operation. You should use
this response when you have corrected the
error (for example, with Not ready or Write
protect errors).
F Fail. This causes the current MS-DOS
system operation to end (fail) and the
application to continue.
Note for some floppy disk device error, the
“Ignore” option will not be displayed. This prompt
instead will read
Abort, Retry, Fail?
Access denied
MsDOS 8/12/2009
You tried to replace a write- protected, read-only,
or locked file.
Bad command or file name
The command cannot find the program you asked
it to run. Check to see that you typed the
command line properly, and that the file or
command is on the disk or in the command path.
Bad or missing Command Interpreter
MS-DOS cannot find the command.com file on the
disk; either the file is missing from the root
directory, or the file is invalid. You also receive
this message if command.com has been moved
from the directory it was originally in when you
started MS-DOS.
Either restarts the system with a disk that
contains thecommand.com file, or copy the
command.com file from your backup MS-DOS
master disk onto the disk used to start MS-DOS.
Duplicate file name or file not found
You tried to rename to a filename that already
exists, or the name you specified could not be
found.
File not found
MS-DOS could not find that file that you specified,
or you tried to rename a file with a name already
in the directory.
Check to see that you entered the filename
correctly.
Insufficient disk space
This disk is full and does not contain enough
room to perform the specified operation.
Invalid directory
The directory you specified either does not exist
or is invalid.
Unable to create directory
MS-DOS could not create the directory you
specified.
Check to see that there is not a name conflict.
You may have a file with the same name, or the
disk may be full.
Write protect error writing drive x:
You tried to write data on a write-protected disk.
If the disk has a write-protect tab on it, you must
remove the tab before you can write on the disk
.If the disk doesn’t have a write protect notch.
You cannot write on the disk.
National Microsystems) Ltdtd.
Batch processing
You may often find yourself repeatedly
typing the same sequence of commands to
perform some command task. With MS-DOS you
can put this command sequence into a special file
that batch file. You don’t need to type the batch
file’s extension, even thought all your batch files
must include the .bat extension in their
filenames.
How to create a filename.
You can create a batch file by using Edit
command by using the copy command, or by
using a word processor that save files as ASCII
text.
Creating a batch file
Suppose, for example, that you want to create a
batch fi8le to format and check a new disk. To do
this, you simply furrow the steps:
1. First, type the following:
Copy con checknew.bat
Press ENTER. This command tells MS-DOS to
copy the information from the console (key
board) to the file checknew.bat.
2. Next, type the following lines, pressing the
enter key after each:
Echo This is a file to format
Echo and check new disks.
Echo It is named checknew.bat
Pause Insert new disk in drive a:
Format a:/s
Scandisk a:
3. After the last line, press control + z and then
press enter to save the batch file. MS-DOS
displays the message “1 file(s) copied” to
show that is created the file.
4. Now to execute the file, simply type:
Checknew
Note:
• You must name each batch file with an
extension of .bat.
• To execute a batch file, you type only its
filename not extension.
• Batch file can contain name of another
batch file.
The Autoexec.bat file.
An autoexec.bat file lets you run programs
automatically when you start MS-DOS. This is
useful when you want to run a specific application
under MS-DOS, and when you want MS-DOS
13
to execute a batch program each time you start
your computer.
How to create an Autoexec.bat file
There are many things you can do with an
autoexec.bat file to help you use MS-DOS more
efficiently. For instance, you will probably want to
set the time and date, your path, and any other
options that you plan to use on a regular basis.
Note: When you create your autoexec.bat file,
you must put it in the root directory of your MS-
DOS.
For example:
1. Type the following command and then press
ENTER
Copy con autoexec.bat
This command tells MS-DOS to copy what
you type from the keyboard into the autoexec.bat
file. Notice that you must put the autoexec.bat
file in the root directory of your MS-DOS DISK.
2. Now type the following lines:
Date
Time
Path=c:\;c:\windows;c:\windows\command
Prompt $t$_$p$g
Cls
3. After the last line, press CONTROL + z and
press ENTER to copy these lines into the
autoexec.bat file.
4. The menu program will now run automatically
whenever you start MS-DOS.
New ways to do familiar tasks
MS-DOS overview
MS-DOS, the acronym for Microsoft Disk
Operating System, is an operating system
with a command-line interface used on
personal computers. As with other operating
systems such as OS/2, it translates keyboard
input by the user into operations the
computer can perform, it also oversees
operations such as disk input and output,
video support, keyboard control, and many
internal functions related to program
execution and file maintenance.
14
You type MS-DOS commands using a
command prompt window. To end your MS-
DOS session, type exit in the command
prompt window at the blinking cursor.
The MS-DOS mode is a shell in which the MS-
DOS environment is emulated in 32-bit
systems, such as Windows. MS-DOS-based
programs can run with Windows and might
create a program information file (PIF) which
appears as a shortcut on your desktop.
Open the Command Prompt window.
Notes
• To open a command prompt, click
Start, point to Programs, point to
Accessories, and then click
Command Prompt.
• Creating a program information file
(PIF) for an MS-DOS-based program
creates a shortcut to the program
executable. All the settings saved in
the PIF file are contained in the
shortcut.
New ways to do familiar tasks
Windows XP retains and enhances almost all
MS-DOS functionality. The following tables
explain:
• Changes to the functionality of MS-DOS
commands.
• MS-DOS commands that are no longer
available in Windows XP.
• MS-DOS commands that are no longer
available on Windows XP 64-Bit Edition.
Changes to MS-DOS Commands
The following table lists changes to the
functionality of MS-DOS commands.
Comma
Changed features
nd
Changes code pages for all
chcp
Command Prompt windows.
MsDOS 8/12/2009
diskco Command-line options /1 and /8 are
mp not supported.
No longer needed to act upon a
diskpe
server computer. You can still use
rf
diskperf for remote administration.
diskco Command-line option /1 is not
py supported.
Available for all character-based
programs that accept buffered input.
doskey
Doskey has been improved by a
series of enhancements.
Supports 1.44 MB floppy drive only.
20.8 MB floptical (magneto-optical)
format drive is no longer supported.
Command-line options /b, /s, /u, /1,
/4, and /8 are no longer supported.
The caret (^) and ampersand (&)
label symbols can be used in a volume
label.
The mode lptn[:][cols=c][lines=n]
mode and mode lptn[:][c][,[n]] syntaxes
are not supported.
Command-line options /b, /c, /m, /p,
print
/q, /s, /t, and /u are not supported.
New character combinations enable
you to add ampersands ($a),
prompt
parentheses ($c and $f), and spaces
($s) to your prompt.
recove
Recovers files only.
r need to join drives.
New /s command-line option deletes
rmdir directories that contain files and
subdirectories.
Does not require TEMP environment
sort
variable. File size is unlimited.
New /g command-line option creates
xcopy
decrypted destination files.
Unavailable MS-DOS Commands
The following MS-DOS commands are not
available at the command prompt.
Comman New procedure or reason for
d obsolescence
assign Not currently supported.
backup Not currently supported.
choice Not currently supported.
ctty Not currently supported.
National Microsystems) Ltdtd.
dblspace Not currently supported.
The rmdir /s command deletes
directories containing files and
deltree subdirectories. For more
information about the rmdir
command, see Rmdir.
dosshell Function is now inherent.
drvspac
Not currently supported.
e
emm386 Function is now inherent.
Not currently supported. Use the
help command at the command
prompt. For more information about
fasthelp the help command, see Help. For a
complete list of command-line
tools, see Command-line reference
A-Z.
Not currently supported. Use the
diskpart command, which enables
you to manage disks, partitions, or
fdisk
volumes. For more information
about the diskpart command, see
Diskpart.
Multiple configurations of the MS-
include
DOS subsystem are not supported.
interlnk Not currently supported.
intersrv Not currently supported.
Increased partition size and an
join improved file system eliminate the
memma MS-DOS subsystem memory usage
ker is automatically optimized.
menucol Multiple configurations of the MS-
or DOS subsystem are not supported.
menudef Multiple configurations of the MS-
ault DOS subsystem are not supported.
menuite Multiple configurations of the MS-
m DOS subsystem are not supported.
mirror Not currently supported.
msav Not currently supported.
Use the ntbackup command for
computers with tape drives, or the
xcopy command for computers
msbacku without tape drives. For more
p information about the ntbackup
command, see Ntbackup. For more
information about the xcopy
command, see Xcopy.
mscdex It is unnecessary to configure the
15
 MS-DOS subsystem to use CD-ROM
drives. Windows XP provides access
to CD-ROM drives for the MS-DOS
subsystem.
Use the System Information snap-
in. To start System Information,
msd
click Start, click Run, and then
type msinfo32.
numlock Not currently supported.
power Not currently supported.
restore Not currently supported.
Not currently supported. Use the
chkdsk command, which enables
you to create and display a status
report for a disk based on the file
scandisk
system. Chkdsk also lists and
corrects errors on the disk. For
more information about the chkdsk
command, see Chkdsk.
smartdr Caching for the MS-DOS subsystem
v is automatic.
submen Multiple configurations of the MS-
u DOS subsystem are not supported.
Windows XP does not fit on a
sys standard 1.2 MB or 1.44 MB floppy
disk.
undelete Not currently supported.
unforma
Not currently supported.
t
vsafe Not currently supported.
MS-DOS commands no longer available
on Windows XP 64-Bit Edition
The following 16-bit MS-DOS subsystem
commands are not available on
Windows XP 64-Bit Edition.
Comma
Function
nd
Enables programs to open data files
append in specified folders as if these files
were in the current folder.
Starts Debug.exe, a program that
debug you can use to test and debug MS-
DOS executable files.
Starts MS-DOS Editor, which creates
edit
and changes ASCII text files.
16
Starts Edlin.exe, a line-oriented text
edlin editor with which you can create and
change ASCII files.
exe2bi Converts .exe (executable files) to
n binary format.
Expands one or more compressed
expand
files.
Windows XP does not use this
fastope
command. It is accepted only for
n
compatibility with MS-DOS files.
Starts the specified program in the
MS-DOS subsystem. This command
forcedo
is necessary only for those MS-DOS
s
programs that are not recognized as
MS-DOS programs by Windows XP.
Loads a program into memory that
allows you to print on a printer the
graphic
displayed contents of the screen
s
when you are using a color or
graphics adapter.
Ensures that a program is loaded
loadfix above the first 64KB of conventional
memory, and then runs the program.
Loads a program into the upper
memory area (UMA). Loading a
loadhig
program into the UMA leaves more
h (lh)
room in conventional memory for
other programs.
Displays information about allocated
memory areas, free memory areas,
mem and programs that are currently
loaded into memory in the MS-DOS
subsystem.
Loads information specific to
country/region. Windows XP does not
nlsfunc use this command. It is accepted
only for compatibility with MS-DOS
files.
Sets the MS-DOS version number
setver that the MS-DOS subsystem reports
to a program.
Windows XP does not use this
share command. It is accepted only for
compatibility with MS-DOS files.