Reference number: CH000432

What files are needed to boot a PC computer?

Question:

What files are needed to boot a PC computer?

Answer:

The computer needs the minimum of the below three files to boot to a DOS prompt.

command.com
io.sys
msdos.sys

Note: The above files are the very minimum files. If an external command such as fdisk needs to be performed, that file will also need to be copied to the drive. See our boot disk page for additional information and recommendations on what files to copy or how to create a bootable diskette.

Additional information:

If your encountering strange beeps or your computer is not booting or starting up properly see document CH000607 for additional help and troubleshooting steps.