I need to make a basic DOS boot disk to load only DOS drivers and start directly in DOS. I am trying to work with older DOS based software and my WIN 98 II drivers are not compatible, so I need to boot my system into DOS with only keyboard, mouse, display, sound DOS drivers and what ever else is needed. My config.sys and autoexe.bat files will load my current WIN drivers.. Need help?? thanks

hold the Shift key while booting and use Win98 option menu to start in command prompt only. Load yar appropriate drivers. Alternatively stick a non-bootable disk in the floppy drive and press F8 twice . . . .

Most users mix up the idea of a BASIC MS-DOS Boot Disk, and a RECOVERY Boot Disk. BASIC BOOT DISK is used to start ANY machine and has minimum drivers on it. RECOVERY BOOT DISK is produced for a single PC and has ALL DRIVERS needed to start that PC - Display, Keyboard, Mouse, Sound Card, CD-ROM and so on.. Each disk should be clearly marked as to its OS & use (i.e. MS-DOS 6.22 Basic Disk) In this way Boot Disks can be produced for more than one task, and any mistakes avioded.

what files are needed to make a basic dos boot disk

You can create a "Basic" DOS boot disk from within Win98 or Win95. From the command prompt in Windows, type "Format a: /q /s". This will do a quick format of the disk in your A: and transfer the system files over. You will have to create your autexec.bat and config.sys files manually. To do this, from the command prompt in Windows, type "Edit a:\ autoexec.bat" (make sure your newly created boot disk is in your A: first!) The DOS Edit program will run and you will be presented with a blank blue screen. Enter your config info, then save and exit. Repeat the same steps for the config.sys file. Unless you're using special hardware, you don't need sperate drivers for the video and keyboard, DOS will support standard 101 key and video without extra drivers. If you are trying to use specialized hardware, then see the web site for the MFR of the component.

Thanks Bill, Usefull Information, but since this is the DOS Forum, and a lot of people use older versions of DOS - Heres How: For a MS-DOS Boot Disk At the MS-DOS Prompt Type FORMAT A: /U/S and press Enter Copy onto it selection of utilities such as: FDISK.EXE FORMAT.EXE SYS.EXE LABEL.EXE plus any other files you think you may need! (It is not advisable to carry out a Quick Format (/Q) when creating a Boot Disk, But to use Unconditional Format (/U)to ensure an error free diskette!) Windows 3.1 users can create a Boot Disk via File Manager. Windows 95/98 users can create a Boot Disk via Control Panel & Add/Remove Programs. The Windows 98 is the best Boot Disk as it also adds CD-ROM Drivers as well!

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