I have the following line in my config.sys file: DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\EMM386.exe NOEMS Yesterday for the first time a DOS (QBasic) program refused to run, saying there was not enough free memory (I have 128MB RAM, the prog only requires 1-2MB). The readme.txt for the game asks me to change the line to DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\EMM386.exe 2000 RAM Is it safe to edit the config.sys file in this way? And what would be the effect o my comp's speed generally?

Sure ... it's just opening up the expanded memory which dos programs crave.

Instead of making the change in Config.sys, which means expanded is created all the time, set up a PIF for the program so that it is only available when you run the program. http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q188/1/57.asp Assuming that you are running it from a DOS window not from a native DOS prompt.

Hello, try this, since you are altering config.sys DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\EMM386.exe 8192 RAM NEOMS Depending on how much ram you have you can increase the number generally i used to use 4096 but for sake the higher sometimes you can squeeze out some extra memory. Also did you try running memmaker that will increase your ram try running it from dos and use Both types of virtual memory when it asks, it will also speed up your computer. Something to add, you may not have to do any of that try rebooting your PC and holding down Both SHIFT keys at once when you see your 3 1/4 drive lights come on, or when you hear two beeps on old systems. make sure you hold them down simultanously. This will load your computer with high mem, just open c:\dos\>qbasic.exe something like that. One more note, Format your floppy disk with this command c:\>Format A:\ /U /S that formats it unconditionally with transferring system files to it to make your disk bootable. Then copy your config.sys and autoexec.bat to A: as well with c:\copy autoexec.bay A:\ c:\copy config.sys a:\ Then modify your disks config sys and autoexec.bat you will then not change any pertanent info on your pc. Remember to back up your boot files every week. After all that boot from your floppy disk oh on second hand go ahead and copy qbasic.??? a:\ and the Edit.??? A:\ that will transfer all the files to floppy and after you boot to a A prompt you can run them from floppy disk without modif your computer. :) Anytime i can help let me know, i specialized in old Pc's IBM... LOL going job hunting soon, probably end up at wal mart, so much for technical knowledge. PEace Feel free to email me if you have questions. Sincerely, Justin E. Christian Justin_Christian_2001@hotmail.com

thanks justin - took me a while to read through it, but the post was useful

thanks justin - took me a while to read through it, but the post was useful