In Windows 95 and Windows 98, you can boot into MS-DOS instead of Windows if you need to run MS-DOS for older programs and games.

Click Start, Shutdown, and Shutdown the computer in MS-DOS mode.

Remember that when dealing with any system files, be cautious of what is changed. If the files are changed inappropriately, the system may not boot.

  • Type cd\ to get to the C:> prompt.
  • Type attrib msdos.sys -r -a -s -h and press Enter.
  • Type edit msdos.sys and press Enter.
  • Locate the line BOOTGUI=1 and change the line to BOOTGUI=0 and save the file.
  • Reboot your computer.

These steps will not work for any version of Windows after Windows 98. If you want to boot to a command prompt, consider using a bootable diskette.

  • How to get old MS-DOS games to run in Windows.
  • See the msdos.sys page for further information about the msdos.sys file.
  • See the edit command page for more information on using this command.
  • Microsoft Windows help and support.