Reference number: CH000221

CD-ROM drive running in MS-DOS mode.

Issue:

CD-ROM drive running in MS-DOS mode.

Cause:

Computer Virus
CD-ROM not installed properly

Solution:

The below solution applies only to Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows 98 users.

First check the Performance of the System, which can be accessed by clicking Start / Settings / Control Panel / double-click System / click the performance tab / in performance look at the third line down (File System). If this says 32-bit, skip to the reinstalling CD-ROM drivers. If this says anything else it is likely lower in this screen, it may say a message about your computer being infected with a computer virus. Because you are encountering this issue, generally following the upcoming steps will resolve your issue. However, we have done these steps in the past and some viruses erased the information on the hard disk because this command was run. We recommend that you backup your information before attempting any of the below recommendations.

From the MS-DOS prompt, which you can get to by either booting from a diskette or doing Start / Shutdown and restarting the computer in MS-DOS mode, type the below command.

fdisk /mbr

This will recreate the master boot record (effectively removing the master boot record). Additional information on this command can be found at on document CH000175

Once recreated, reboot the computer and your issue should be resolved; if not, continue to reinstalling CD-ROM drivers.

Reinstalling CD-ROM drivers

If your File system was 32-bit or your CD-ROM is still experiencing issues after following the above steps, it is likely you are experiencing CD-ROM driver issues. To resolve this issue, get into Device Manager.

Once in Device Manager click the + next to the CD-ROM drive (if not already a - ) Beneath the CD-ROM highlight the CD-ROM listed and click remove. Once removed reboot the computer. As the computer is rebooting your CD-ROM should be redetected and reinstalled.