How to get MS-DOS console working for Win98

[IcemanJer]

Was helping a guy today with his computer.. couldn't run anything that needs MS-DOS. All the files (*.pif, command.com, msdos.sys) are set up properly and/or working copies from another computer, but the MS-DOS console still won't run. Double-clicking on COMMAND.COM in C:\WINDOWS cause an error: something like can't fine the file, or make sure "the required libraries are installed properly".

What did I miss trying? Any suggestions?

 

[huanaku]

What OS is he using?

I haven't heard of the console not running in 98 before ... start->programs->command prompt, or start->run->"command" should work.

in NT/2k start->run->"cmd"

 

[IcemanJer]

This is Win98SE.

Yea, tried the Start-->Run thing. Same error showed up.

Virus scan didn't come up with anything. I told him to do a live update first, and I'm assuming he's doing it properly.

 

[Slikkster]

A clue to your problem as you've described it is your line about "Double-clicking on COMMAND.COM in C:\WINDOWS cause an error:" My question is, does command.com also reside in the c:\ folder (where Win98 looks for it)?

If so, is it the correct version of command.com? In other words, did it come from the windows CD that was used to install this person's OS?

If all is true, I'd open up Sysedit.exe, and edit autoexec.bat by adding the following:

SET COMSPEC=C:\ (if command.com is in the root directory) OR

SET COMSPEC=C:\Windows (if command.com only resides in c:\windows folder)

Also, ensure that msdos.sys and io.sys are from the current windows installation and not from outside.

If in doubt, make a Windows Startup Disk ON HIS PC, then use it to boot up (without cdrom support...not needed for this), and do a "sys c:" which will make sure you get the installed operating system's correct msdos files.

 

[IcemanJer]

yes, command.com is in both directories.. in the C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND one too, I think...

Will ask him to try COMSPEC and the sys c:

 

[Slikkster]

It also does sound like you could have corrupted pif files, or at least one. I'd try renaming "command.pif" to something else so it's recreated. I don't know if this page will be of any help, but I'll pass it along:

Microsoft on how to create a Default Pif file

 

[IcemanJer]

At this point I think he's ready to reinstall Windows. I've told him to back up whatever he wants to keep and then we can go ahead with the format.