Hey all - I recently posted for help with a batch file I was writing and absolutely fell in love with working with the code. I am using Windows XP Pro, and was told that I can only run a "simulation" of DOS. Is DOS another stand alone OS? If so, can I dual boot it with XP Pro? What kind if applications and functions run under DOS? Will I be able to access my home LAN? Thanks for any and all info you can give me - I loved what I did and would love to learn more! I'm Rick James BITCH!

"Is DOS another stand alone OS?" Sure is, going back about 20 years now. It's what Windows 1.0 - 3.xx, Win9x and WinME run on top of. Twenty years of applications etc have been written for DOS, so, yeah, there's lots to choose from - however, it is not a multi tasking system, DOS is pretty much one thing at a time. Sure, you could dual boot using a separate FAT or FAT32 partition, depending on the DOS - but not NTFS drives. XP and DOS7.1 can share the same FAT32 partition, and can be installed together (as I understand it) using XP's built in boot manager. The standalone DOS7.1 package is available here Never actually released on its own by M$, it's the DOS underpinning Win95B - Win98 I'm just looking for clues at the scene of the crime

A recent post in the XP forum concerning installation order for multi boot I'm just looking for clues at the scene of the crime

You think you're having fun with batch files, just wait until you try ASM ;)

Hi. I've just visited this forum searching for tips and tricks on running dos games in Win XP. Having read what many people have written about the problems of running dos games in XP I feel I have to make a comment.We all know that Win XP does not support DOS. But having read what previous people have said on this forum I think that the best solution which many have already pointed out is to have a partitioned drive with DOS on one and Windows on the other, as Windows will automatically create it's own boot record on startup. This does work but we are still unable to play some games without any problems. Having an older PC with full DOS support would be the easiest way of full compatibility, but I have noticed that no everyone is aware of DOS emulators, which are the closest utils yet, other to the option above. I would suggest for people who really want to enjoy their old DOS games to try DOSBOX. I have used this myself and emulates the old soundblaster cards and old vesa drivers. Therefore making it, in my opinion, the best alternative, other than boot records, sound problems,and XP being a complete pain in the backside when it comes to backwards compatability!!!