I have a rather unusual problem which I have seen other posts on part of the problem but I have a bit more of an issue. The PC in question started to run very slow and then would not boot. I got out the boot disks and I can get to the menu asking to start with CD-ROM support or not, minimal install, etc - depending on which one I choose I get various error messages all related to missing or corrupted files. Sometimes I get a large list other times I might only get one. I then get details that it is loading DOS, I get a PCI bus scan and then I get details on C: After that I get the command interpreter error and the request to load it, like other posts. Here is where my problems start. Instead of getting a DOS prompt, I only get A> I have tried many things - different boot disks, trying to copy files, fdisk, scanreg, format etc I can sometimes get it to read A: but it only gives me a command not found error message (when I know they are on the disk cause I put them there). I can't do a dir on any drive, I have no CD-ROM and I am just about to throw the pc out the window. I don't believe the hard drive has died but I suspect DOS has. I don't care about reformatting and reinstalling and that is my ultimate aim but does anyone have any suggestions about getting to DOS? I am thinking of installing another DOS on there such as DR-DOS, if I can get the floppy to work, or trying to bypass DOS with another OS and getting the OS to dual boot so I can put windows back on and therefore a fresh DOS but any other ideas would be most welcome.

Firstly would advise to download a WIN98SE boot disk from www.bootdisk.com, that will boot you to A:\>_ from there you should be able to access your hard drive. It would sound like you may have serious problems with your Windows GUI, I appreciate that DOS is more intregrated in ME but please do not blame DOS, blame M$ for putting a GUI on top. You should be able to use a DOS program like File Maven http://www.briggsoft.com/fmdos.htm which will run from a floppy disk after booting with a bootdisk to transfer files to another partition or using a Laplink or Null Modem cable to another PC. Then you would be able to install another system which is clean and any information which is retrievable could be accessed. XP PRO is good and if you put DOS on C: and XP on D: makes a good dual boot system.........

Your problem is not with your DOS or with your PC but rather with a component of your PC that is your Floppy Drive. Whenever you boot from a floppy and get this A> this means Command.com is corrupted. First try to get a cleaner and clean the drive, if that does not work change the drive.The Drive needs cleaning or the head is misalinged.