getting into DOS

[npb_2kn4]

i have windows XP pro and don't know how to get into DOs with it. i know that MS-DOS has been removed and you have to go into DOS before windows starts up but i don't know how?

is this right and where do i go from there or can i get into DOS to run games through XP? And if so is this a better way?

[emmzee]

Windows XP comes with "Command Prompt", which attempts to simulate DOS. (Since you are correct, "real" DOS does not exist in WinXP.) To start Command Prompt, either:

A ) Go to Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt

or

B ) Go to Start -> Run, then type "cmd"

Running DOS games from the command prompt is not necessary in most cases; just double clicking the .exe file in Windows Explorer is (in most cases) the same as running it from the command prompt.

There is another option to consider: DOSBox. It works like the default Command Prompt but it is better designed to play games. Get it for free from:

http://dosbox.sourceforge.net

After downloading/installing add the following to the end of your dosbox.conf file:

MOUNT C C:\
C:

That will properly "mount" your C drive for DOSBox. (If you have other drives, mount them similarly, like "MOUNT D D:\"). Then just run DOSBox and use it like normal DOS. Should help you get a lot of games running better.

See also the following resources at dosgames.com:
http://www.dosgames.com/faq.php
http://www.dosgames.com/xphints.php

HTH. Think we should sticky this?