How to Load Windows to DOS at Startup

DOS can provide a solution to system errors.

DOS, or Disk Operating System is a command line interface user interface in which the user must type in a command in order to launch a specific file, program, or Windows utility. DOS can provide quick and easy solutions to repairing problems with the Microsoft Windows operating system such as stability and file system errors.

Instructions

1. Shut down the computer.

2. Reboot the computer. Press the F8 key as soon as you see the splash screen or as soon as you see the computer begin the Power-On Self test. Notice that a menu appears with various bootup options.

3. Choose the option to boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Command prompt is the Windows XP equivalent to the DOS command line interface.

4. Type the word "exit" to shut down the computer when you are finished using the DOS command line interface. Reboot the computer the way you would normally boot into Microsoft Windows.

Tips & Warnings

• Access DOS without rebooting by pointing to the Start menu and selecting "Run." Type In the letters "cmd" to launch the command line interface without having to reboot the computer.

• Versions of Microsoft Windows prior to Windows 2000 will have an option on the shut down screen to reboot the computer into MS-DOS mode the next time you reboot the computer. Versions of Microsoft Windows from Windows 2000 and newer do not have this option.

• Note that while you are using DOS, you cannot use the mouse to point and click your way from one application to another unless you launched the command line interface while you were still logged into Windows.

References

• How to get to a Ms-DOS prompt/Windows Command Line