MOM: MS-DOS Application Window Does Not Revert to Default Size

ID: Q125429

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Office for Windows, versions 4.2, 4.3

SYMPTOMS

When you run an MS-DOS application window from the Microsoft Office Manager (MOM) toolbar, the MS-DOS window size settings (such as windowed or full- screen) are not the same as when you start the MS-DOS Prompt from Program Manager.

For example, if you maximize the MS-DOS Prompt window and then reduce it, the information about the reduced size is retained. When you click the MS- DOS icon again, the MS-DOS window is displayed in the reduced size and must be manually maximized. This behavior is different from the way the MS-DOS prompt behaves when you run it from Program Manager.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, use Notepad or EDIT.COM to open the DOSAPP.INI file (located in the Windows directory), and search for DOSPRMPT.PIF. Note that the entry will resemble the following:

   C:\WINDOWS\DOSPRMPT.PIF = 1 8 12 648 328 22 2 3 65535 65535 169
                             185 747 416

Change this entry to read as follows:

   C:\WINDOWS\DOSPRMPT.PIF = 1

Changing this setting to 1 removes all other settings, including x and y window size coordinates. Ensure through PIFEDIT that DOSPRMPT.PIF is set for Windowed display rather than Full Screen.

NOTE: Stripping the DOSPRMPT.PIF window settings in the DOSAPP.INI resets the MS-DOS window settings to the standard, maximized window. However, if you manually resize this window, the resized Window will be opened the next time you choose the MS-DOS Prompt command.

KBCategory: kbenv KBSubcategory:

Additional reference words: 4.20 4.30 MOM MS-DOS DOSPROMPT

Last Reviewed: September 16, 1996