Can someone give me instructions on how to copy a DOS program from the hard disk to a floppy or even better a CD-R? The original floppies for the software are lost. Thanks

Usually most of a DOS application is installed under one main subdirectory. i.e. \APP So copy that whole subdirectory. Next check config.sys and autoexec.bat for possible references to that subdirectory. Copy config.sys and autoexec.bat if necessary Next if program is started by a batch file, check if any other programs are loaded/used, and copy them as well. That should get 95% of the programs. If the programs are part of a suite, use networking or communication, or have external connections, you have to chase down all the external dependencies. The way to check is to install what you think you need and try to run it on another computer. It is better to copy more than to miss just one. I usually copy the directory structure and all the files. Writing a CD would be nice, but is usually not supported under pure DOS. I usually use a ZIP drive then make a CD. One exception. If the application uses some form of copy protection. Some use a hidden file or may use hardware configuration detection. If you don't know, test your copy on another computer before wiping out the drive. I've had to leave the hard drive in systems and do an upgrade around the copy protection.

Thanks

That's what I'm trying to do for a friend: upgrade his Win 95 to Win 98 SE, but he wants that one DOS program (a business spreadsheet) to be on Win 98 SE after upgrade, either carried over or reinstalled. Without the original software disks, am not sure how to get at it. Searched the Web and it is not to be found, as it's about 8 years old. What about just upgrading Win 95 to Win 98 SE, do you think it would leave all the win and dos personal/software data alone, as I don't want to wipe the 95 drive in the upgrade process? How have you upgraded around before?

Without getting too deep, use dos help to check out the commands copy and xcopy. You may have size problems if copying to a floppy or floppies, and it would probably be better therefore using pkzip. If you are upgrading it should not effect the software already installed. As a matter of interest, what is the spreadsheet you are want to copy? Good luck - keep us posted.

Yes, I was thinking of using XCOPY , as I found it from the HELP at the DOS prompt. The program am trying to copy in DOS is called First Choice (can't recall exactly) as my friend calls it that, but the file name is pfc, if I remember correctly. It's a spreadsheet database thing from the early 90s. Basically, he wants to upgrade to Win 98 SE from 95 and that program is the ONLY one he cares about. Thanks for the help so far. Am going over to this house Sun night to find the DOS and will try XCOPY. The file size is average, if I remember correctly.

Just say copy . : from within the directory you want to copy a file or a multitude of files.