How do I create an autoexec.bat or config.sys in Windows ME?

Windows ME features a “legacy-free environment” which means that io.sys does not process either the config.sys or the autoexec.bat file like other versions of Windows. Instead, it scans these files for environment variables and imports them. These files contain settings and preferences that configure the global environment for the computer when you boot, and whenever you start a new MS-DOS virtual machine.

Real mode programs and drivers can no longer be loaded. Windows ME only supports environment values.

If autoexec.bat and config.sys are modified, and the computer is restarted or shutdown, Windows automatically removes any value that is not specified in the registry.

To specify or edit values in the autoexec.bat file, the user must edit the following Registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\currentcontrolset\control\sessionmanager\environment

In this key, the user can modify pre-existing values that are currently defined in the autoexec.bat file.

For additional information about the Windows registry, see our Windows registry guide.

How do I get ansi.sys to work in Windows ME?

Windows ME does not support real mode drivers, therefore it cannot load ansi.sys. See following note for information about why real mode support was removed.

If you need access to ansi.sys or have batch files that require it, you can use the third-party ansi.com file instead. It provides the same functionality as ansi.sys with improved support for all video modes. It also permits sizing and clearing the key-assignment buffer, and provides high-speed screen updating.

Why was real mode support removed?

Microsoft had multiple reasons for removing real mode support from Windows ME. The primary reason was to prevent conflicts with some Windows programs, and to improve boot times.

How can I dual boot with Windows ME?

  • How to set up dual-booting.

Does Windows ME have a Safe Mode?

Yes, Safe Mode is accessed the same way as Windows 98; press F8 or hold down the Ctrl.

How to set the LASTDRIVE or FCBS statement

The LASTDRIVE and FCBS is not configurable by the user.

How to specify the FILES statement in the config.sys

The FILES statement sets the amount of file handles in an application JTF (job file table).

Because Windows ME does not parse the config.sys, however, this may be needed for MS-DOS applications. This line can be defined in the system.ini, in the [386Enh] section by adding the following line.

PerVMFiles=

How to modify the BUFFERS statement

The buffers values is a fixed value and cannot be changed by the user.

How to modify the STACKS statement

Microsoft indicates “the STACKS setting determines the number and size of the stack spaces that are created to handle interrupt handling in real mode. Because almost all of the device drivers that are used are written to run in protected mode, this value has no effect on the operation of existing MS-DOS-based programs.”

  • See our problem definition for further information and related links.
  • Windows ME help and support.