I was just wondering when you try to ping using the ping.exe from the run command does that use dos? I am asking because I thought win xp does not have dos, but it looks like a dos based application

Some people mistake the Windows XP command prompt for the DOS prompt provided under Windows 9x because it looks and acts like DOS. The command prompt under Windows XP isn't true DOS; instead, it's simulated. That's why you can use long file names in this "DOS" window. If you want to see true DOS, reboot the machine with a DOS boot disk. You can't use long file names in that case. Bye

Microsoft removed the DOS subsystem in Windows ME and it passed onto Windows XP. When you use a DOS program such as PING or FORMAT, you are using a virtual copy of DOS. This IS NOT the true DOS system, for you CANNOT really do any complex operations on there, such as format a hard drive or do diagnostics on one. This is why companies recommend you to use a boot disk when doing complex operations, for that uses the True DOS mode.

To Joseph, You cannot use long file names under the regular command prompt in Windows XP or any Windows for that matter. In Windows NT, 2000, and XP there is a program called CMD that allows you to use long file names and do other things real DOS cannot do.