Reference number: CH000140

Windows computer only starts in MS-DOS.

Issue:

Windows computer only starts in MS-DOS.

Cause:

Commonly, this issue occurs when another program or game is restarted into a MS-DOS mode for compatibility reasons but is improperly restarted.

Solution:

Follow the below instructions to allow the computer to boot into Windows 95 or Windows 98 instead of MS-DOS.

Solution one

Type cd\
Type edit autoexec.bat
Type REM with a space after it, in front of the below lines within the autoexec.bat. Note: Not all these lines may be in the autoexec.bat. However, if they are present, remark these lines.

cd c:\windows\command
call c:\windows\command\<name of game or program that may be trying to start>
c:\windows\win.com/wx

Once the above lines have been remarked, if applicable, click File / Save, and click Exit. Once back at the prompt type the below commands.

Type edit config.sys
Type REM in front of the below lines within the autoexec.bat:

dos=single

Save and exit the config.sys file. Once back at the MS-DOS prompt reboot the computer and you should be able to get back into Windows.

Solution two

From the MS-DOS prompt type in the below lines.

Type cd\
Type attrib msdos.sys -r -a -s -h
Type edit msdos.sys
Locate the line BOOTGUI=0 and change the line to BOOTGUI=1

Note: If this line is already equal to one do not change the line.

Additional information:

• Additional information about editing and modifying the autoexec.bat and config.sys can be found on our autoexec.bat and config.sys page.
• See our edit command page for additional information about the edit command.
• See our MS-DOS page for additional information and help with MS-DOS.