My old (Win 3.1) DOS bootup for games doesn't work under ME. I found this useful site (http://www.webtechgeek.com/center_Frame_win_me_tips_all_about_windowsme.html) and while the intructions look fairly clear, I can't find this 'Properties' tab they refer to...quote 'Do this by opening the DOS console and then clicking the Properties button in the toolbar (it looks like a hand holding a piece of paper). On the Program tab etc etc'. Anyone know to what they are refering ? Thanks P.S. complete paragraph is below 'Running DOS Programs DOS applications that run in virtual mode should still work fine in Windows Me. However, applications that require real mode (that is, they are designed to install as a DOS application before Windows starts) will no longer run. Your DOS programs may work better if you set the MS-DOS properties to ignore Windows. Do this by opening the DOS console and then clicking the Properties button in the toolbar (it looks like a hand holding a piece of paper). On the Program tab, mark “Prevent MS-DOS-based programs from detecting Windows” and click OK. In the Program tab of the MS-DOS Prompt Properties dialog box, mark “Prevent MS-DOS-based programs from detecting Windows.” It may also help to make the above changes to the Properties for the pif file associated with your application. Setting Environmental Variables Some DOS programs require you to set specific environmental variables in order for your video adapter or sound card to work. Instead of editing autoexec.bat or config.sys, you now set these variables using the System Configuration Utility. To open it, click Start—>Programs—>Accessories—>System Tools—>System Information—>Tools—>System Configuration Utility — or just click Start—>Run, type msconfig, and click OK. This dialog box has a new Environment tab for setting environmental variables. For example, if your old DOS program requires a statement such as FILES=x or Country=x, or if you want to modify PATH, you can do that on the Environment tab. Use the Environment tab of the System Configuration Utility to change or add environmental variables. Emergency Recovery/Bootable Floppies The old DOS format /s command, which lets you copy basic system files to a disk you are formatting, does not work on floppy disks in Windows Me. In fact, the DOS sys command has been changed and no longer works on any drive except C:. Normally, you would only use sys c: for installing Windows on a new hard disk. To make a bootable floppy disk without using format /s, start by creating an “Emergency boot disk,” either during setup or by using the Startup Disk tab of the Add/Remove Programs dialog box in the Control Panel. Once you have created this disk, you can make a pared down boot disk by deleting everything except io.sys and command.com.

Why don't you come into the twenty first century, and trash your DOS games.

To find the properties sheet they speak of: Open up the DOS emulation window. In the blue bar at the top, right click. Choose properties.

VERY interesting re ME! I'd heard/been told ME will run any DOS program useable with Windows from Version 3.0 onward without a problem.... QBasic works fine I know with SE, I hope it will continue doing so in ME. Have tried Visual Basic a few times since upgrading to SE, but you have to be, in my opinion anyway, a machine & assembly languqage expert before you can even write a simple program.... Despite what some geeker's claim ("FAR easier to learn and use than QBasic"), VBasic is not a programming tool for the average consumer who maybe wants to do something simple to get a start in programming to see if they like it or not.

Make a dos boot disk.

Al - Actually, my kids enjoy playing some of the old DOS games and probably will continue to do so. Many thanks for your valued contribution though. Newgrl - this is the problem I have. When I go into DOS shell, all I get at the top is MSDOS Command Prompt where the toolbar usually is. John - have created a boot up disk but there are certain games that don't work (no sound usually) so I'm trying to 'get at' the DOS commands

The answer is quite simple. Right-click on the exe file and select properties then you can prevent programs from detecting windows and force the game to run fullscreen. Also make sure the startup path is assigned properly. Doing this creates a PIF file which you can then use to start the game. Remember you will need to do this for the usual setup program as well to configure graphics/sound/controls. There is even a topic in Windows ME help on that PC under your nose! The only problems you might come across is sound .... unless you have a driver with good DOS mode emulation this will be hit and miss.