Computer Restarts When Exiting MS-DOS Mode

ID: Q148795

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

After you restart Windows in MS-DOS mode using the current configuration (which does not require Windows to reboot the computer before starting MS-DOS mode), Windows may reboot the computer when you exit MS-DOS mode.


CAUSE

This behavior can occur if a real-mode device driver for MS-DOS mode is being loaded from the Dosstart.bat file. The computer is restarted to remove the real-mode device driver from memory when you exit MS-DOS mode.


STATUS

This behavior is by design.


MORE INFORMATION

If you want to prevent Windows from rebooting the computer when you exit MS-DOS mode, disable the device driver in the Dosstart.bat file in the Windows folder. To disable a line in the Dosstart.bat file, place the word rem at the beginning of the line.

WARNING: If you disable a device driver in the Dosstart.bat file, it will not be available in MS-DOS mode. The device for which the device driver is loaded may not work in MS-DOS mode.

You can also load the real-mode driver in the Autoexec.bat file instead of the Dosstart.bat file. However, doing so causes the device driver to be loaded at all times. 


Keywords          : kbenv win95 win98 
Version           : 95
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: January 27, 1999