How to access MS-DOS in XP? Solved/Closed

Question

Hi everyone, I'd like to know how to access MS-DOS under XP when you don't have a floppy drive and from Windows?

spark · Accepted Answer

Hello

Click on start/run and type cmd. This will give you access to a DOS window, but you will remain within Windows.
XP no longer manages DOS like Win98 did, for example you no longer have the option "start in MS-DOS mode" when you restart and press F8.

HIERNARD · Answer

Hi spark, thanks for the tip, so we can no longer work under MS-DOS without Windows XP and fdisk doesn't work anymore?

HIERNARD · Answer

Hi Spark, Thanks for the tip, so fdisk can no longer work in MS-DOS?

spark · Answer

Click on Start/Run, type cmd and at the command prompt type help, it will give you all the commands recognized by XP.

JP1966 · Answer

Hello Spark,   Your MOP via "Start", "Run" does not meet the initial requirement of accessing MS-DOS mode to format a disk, right?   You can't do "FDisk" once the PC is booted up on XP   The issue remains the same, how to format a disk without a floppy drive or CD/DVD drive...   Today's question, I'm also looking for something for a current post for Morphéus   JP

440LVB · Answer

You press F8 at startup of Windows. On the screen that offers you to start in safe mode, you can choose "start in command prompt."

dje-dje · Answer

If the disk (or partition) is not the system disk, you need to use the disk management tool. (Right-click on My Computer -> Manage -> Storage -> Disk Management. After that, it's right-click and format, I think)  See you dje-dje -- There are 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and the others

JP1966 · Answer

Hello dje-dje   Unfortunately, it's the system disk, and that's the issue   The "MS Dos" mode used to be convenient before XP, has Microsoft possibly locked that option?   To be continued   JP

dje-dje · Answer

Yes and no.
If you want to format your system disk, use the system CD that you are going to install.

See you later
dje-dje
--

There are 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and the others

JP1966 · Answer

It is obvious for Nanardsurf's initial request, the boot from the XP CD offers to format the contents of the disk, possibly to review the partitions  The need I have on another post is that "Morphéus," the poster, has neither a CD drive nor a floppy disk drive, and I can't seem to find the access function to "MS-Dos mode" at startup; has it been removed in XP?   Thank you   JP

Kermitt31 · Answer

How is he going to install anything without a CD drive or a floppy disk??? He wants to format and then leave his disk as it is?   I doubt it! He just has to boot from a USB stick otherwise ;-)))))))) --  Thai Proverb: Penguins in the fields,  winter very mean.

dje-dje · Answer

It should be possible to access a list of DOS commands by pressing F8 while XP starts up. It should then offer safe mode with or without networking, etc... But especially a console mode.   Otherwise, you'll have to disassemble the hard drive to put it in slave mode on another machine, or install a CD drive into the computer.   See you later  dje-dje  -- There are 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and others

440LVB · Answer

Just to support dje-dje who confirms to me.

David10 · Answer

To format the hard drive, here's how to do it:

On startup, enter the BIOS by pressing DEL (Delete), F2, or TAB several times when prompted at the bottom of the screen. In the menu, select "Advanced BIOS Features": Enter. Then "First Boot Device" or "Boot Sequence": Enter and then "Floppy": Enter. Check "CD-ROM": Enter. Press F10 to save. Install the Windows 2000 or XP CD. The computer restarts. When prompted, press a key several times to access the CD-Rom functions including (This method is possible for other versions but with different commands):

Complete installation or reinstallation of the Windows OS after acceptance.
(In case of complete installation, do not press a key multiple times after the restart)

Repairs with multiple commands. Type help to see the list.
http://www.informatruc.com/console.php

Otherwise, use the 6 Windows XP startup disks (…)
http://www.teamatic.net/telech/utilitaires/diskboot/winxppro.php

Depending on the brands and versions, BIOS menus differ. They are listed at the top of the screen on startup or in the menu: Award, Phoenix, AMI, etc.
http://pcinfopratique.free.fr/Optimisation/Bios.html

Alternatively, use a Windows 95/98 or ME startup disk (…), type fdisk to access the partition menu. Delete it and then create a new one. Restart the computer at each step and then remove the diskette. Finally, for the installation of Windows, press a key several times or F8 on startup to load the CD.

Attention! After installation, it is important to quickly install the drivers for PCI cards (video, audio, etc.) to avoid hardware conflicts.

Your turn to play!

dje-dje · Answer

It seems to me that he doesn't have a CD-ROM...  see you + dje-dje -- There are 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and the others

Kermitt31 · Answer

I find it incredible the number of people who respond and who are full of good will but who do not read the entire question or the whole discussion!!!
--
Thai Proverb: Penguins in the fields,
very cruel winter.

régis · Answer

There is no startup disk under XP???

JP1966 · Answer

Régis,

Take the time to read the post. Floppy disks have already been suggested in several replies?

There are indeed bootable XP floppy disks, but in this specific case, he does not have a floppy disk drive, and apparently has issues with the CD drive since he requests the procedure on the PC only.

See you later

JP

coucou_c_julien · Answer

Hi everyone! I just read this whole discussion and it seems to me that in the BIOS, there’s an option that allows you to choose to boot into the BIOS! To be checked! -- Life is beautiful!

coucou_c_julien · Answer

You don't need an IQ of 120 to understand that there's an option in the BIOS to boot into DOS! Don't hold it against me, but it's only 9:00 in the morning! -- Life is beautiful!

Kermitt31 · Answer

Well, when you see certain posts, it wasn't necessarily obvious that you wanted to put DOS instead of BIOS. And no, that option doesn't exist... at least not on all the motherboards I've seen pass through my hands.  To be able to use DOS, it needs to be installed one way or another... however, when you buy your motherboard... DOS can't be pre-installed... -- Thai Proverb: Penguins in the fields,                                                   very harsh winter.

coucou_c_julien · Answer

I need to check in mine, but I thought I saw that! -- Life is beautiful!

Dedale · Answer

Hello, ^^

My problem is not accessing the DOS, but the fact that my CD drive now only opens like this; to open it normally... under XP I have to do: right-click open!

Can someone tell me how to make it go back to the way it was before?

Thanks ^^' in advance

dedale · Answer

Well, it only opens if I right-click and choose 'open' on the drive c://  otherwise it opens a DOS window: install.exe (black window) but I'm still on XP   Do you understand??? t___t

chm · Answer

Hi,   I have a problem...  When I type FORMAT C: in MS-DOS, it doesn't work; it says that the drive is in use???  What does that mean?   Thanks for your help!!!!

440LVB · Answer

It means that Windows is on C: and that you cannot delete Windows files while Windows is using them.

There you go, if you have a bootable CD, boot from the CD to format. Otherwise, create a boot disk and boot from it.

Booting from a CD or diskette => insert the CD or diskette into the drive and then restart the PC.

If that doesn't work, you need to check in the BIOS to make sure that the boot sequence starts with the diskette or CD rather than the hard drive.

chm · Answer

Sure, could you explain to me more clearly how to do this, please...  Thank you for your help!

chris · Answer

Hi!  I type format c: and then it says "Enter the volume label for drive c:" and then I don't know what to do!! Please help me, it's an emergency!!! Thank you!!

bléro · Answer

I read the discussion and I formatted C: under XP and it didn't work; can you explain why?

gerard27 · Answer

Good evening,

Given the number of responses and questions on this post, I’m losing my Latin (which I don't actually know).

So for the last one added by "blero", if you try to format C: with Windows XP
EXAMPLE: You go to My Computer > select your C: drive > right-click > "Format", it is impossible because XP refuses to erase itself.

Same problem if you try under DOS sessions

If you want to format your C drive, you have to do it by booting from your XP CD.

If this is really what you want to do, remember to note the names of all your peripherals before formatting so you can easily find the drivers.

Gérard

le druide · Answer

Well, as gerard27 says, you don't format a system that's running. Furthermore, the fdisk command is not available under XP; you need to use the recovery console and run the diskpart command to access the partitions. To format XP installed on a partition with NTFS file type, it's the same, use the console and run the command format c: or another drive letter.

the druid without the potion.

chm · Answer

Salut, thanks for your reply, but how do I access the BIOS of the computer with XP?

chm · Answer

Yes, for me it's F2, then where do I go?

le druide · Answer

I'm coming back to your problem, one thing I forgot to tell you is that the format command in DOS mode, as you said, doesn't work under XP, you need to use the console for that, either install it on the hard drive which gives you the choice at startup "Windows XP or console" or by booting from the CD then press R to enter the console, a password for the Administrator will be requested to access the console, then you will be able to use the command format c: and with the available options.

the druid without the potion.

JP1966 · Answer

Good evening,   To complement the Druid's response, which requires having the console, it is also possible, after booting from the CD, to proceed with a new installation of XP.   By deleting the partition and creating a new one, a formatting option is then proposed, right?   To be continued   JP

chm · Answer

I don't believe so, because I deleted XP and then the only option was to reinstall or repair...  But I'm lost and still can't manage to format my computer!

le druide · Answer

have you gone as far as ... reinstalling and then deleting the partition?   the druid without the potion.

JP1966 · Answer

Hello,   Negative   After booting from the CD and confirming the reinstallation option, you access a window to choose the disk where to install.   I therefore deleted the desired partition, and before starting the installation, it notified me that the disk was not formatted and offered to format it.   I am not the only one using this method, Spark also suggested it in the post: http://www.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-1525124-formattage-xp-sur-dell   Best regards   JP

julien vous salut · Answer

Sorry guys, but there's something I don't understand about my PC. First, after my reformatting, I only have one hard drive instead of two, and second, I had Quake 3 Arena working before the reformat, but now there’s nothing because of MS-DOS. So HELP ME!!!  Thanks in advance!

le druide · Answer

He needs to learn how to use a keyboard! It’s indecipherable... -- The druid without the potion.

Tooney · Answer

To respond to the initial request, namely how to access DOS from XP:   It is indeed impossible. Older Windows systems up to 98 were based on a DOS (Disk Operating System) or MS-DOS kernel, depending on the versions, which is why you could access it via command line (it was actually the kernel).   Today, Windows is a standalone operating system based on a Windows NT kernel, with any trace of DOS having completely disappeared. All that remains is a sort of command line emulator resembling DOS but with different system calls than DOS (which is why you can no longer find the FORMAT or FDISK commands in Windows' cmd.exe).   The only possible solution to launch DOS is to install it, for example by downloading DR-DOS.   A word to the wise...

dd · Answer

I have about the same problem with a machine without drives. In fact, I'm looking to back up a MBR + Windows 98 system disk content to a USB stick, but since I don't know how to do it, I'm looking for a utility. Are there any enthusiasts? Thank you.

Benji · Answer

Bonjour, j'aimerais savoir comment je pourrais mettre un code sous DOS (au démarrage).

presdecheztoi · Answer

Hello, I would like to know if someone could help me, thank you. I have a Windows 98 PC, but it's stuck in MS-DOS, and I want to get it back to Windows 98. I must have made a mistake while handling it. Please help me; I am hard of hearing. Thank you very much.

Nicholas · Answer

I am looking for the initial startup in computing under the MS DOS system.

stiouf · Answer

```html
I have Windows 98. I want to upgrade to XP, but the CD-ROM is in the first position and it doesn't work. I want to start my CD from MS-DOS. How do I do that?
```

elevendetress · Answer

Hello, I need help for my test on how to access Fdisk precisely. Could you help me?

oukali · Answer

Not long ago, I encountered a problem when starting my PC running XP. The CD drive spins, but nothing happens even though I set the boot to CD in the setup; it doesn’t proceed. It boots into Windows Safe Mode and then crashes when displaying the desktop, with no icons or any display, and everything freezes. So, I restarted in VGA mode, which brought up the administrator name and a user option. By clicking on the administrator, the DOS window (cmd) opened, and I was finally able to display the task manager, which allowed me to restore the previous good configuration, and the problem is solved.

altavi · Answer

Hi,  I want to reformat my PC that already has XP. I formatted the first partition under DOS that didn't contain Windows. Then I tried to reboot the PC (laptop, so no floppy disk drive) from the Windows installation CD (after setting the BIOS to boot from CD first and then the hard drive), but nothing happens... I boot into Windows like before... So, I tried to launch the installation CD from my computer, and it tells me that the version I want to reinstall is older than the one currently on my PC.  I've tried a lot of things and nothing changes, so I wouldn't say no to a helping hand!!  Thanks

Tan · Answer

Hi everyone. I just read everything. For your problem nanardsurf, I can't offer you any more advice than what has been previously written. But I will take this opportunity to bring up my little problem: I just created the partitions using fdisk from a boot disk. Unfortunately, like an idiot, I worked too fast and activated the extended partition instead of the primary one. I'm on a Win 98 machine. As a result, I restart the computer and it shows the welcome screen with the keys to access the setup, etc... then it gets to the blinking prompt but the catch is that I can't type anything. It freezes. I wanted to format the C drive but impossible with this damned problem. So I would like to know how to access DOS. PS: I have a Win 98 installation CD but when I put it in the drive it doesn't start.  Finally, I didn’t want to make a new post because I saw some people who seem to know something. So it’s to not lose sight of them.  Hoping that your problem nanar gets resolved. Sorry man but I can't help you.

ben · Answer

Mon disque dur a été endommagé par un virus, que faire pour pouvoir réinstaller mon XP ?

coren61 · Answer

I have a problem: when I type cmd (in run), the DOS command prompt opens, but when I type for example "help," it says "'help' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file!"  What should I do? Can you help me?

le druide · Answer

Search in C:\WINDOWS\system32 to see if the file help.exe exists --  the druid without the potion.

plop · Answer

It is possible to launch the MS-DOS command under XP^^ for that, you need to go to C:/windows/system32 and there, you need to find the program "command" it launches the version of Microsoft Windows DOS (with the copyright 1990-2001, so apparently it's really MS-DOS...)  As for other problems... I'm not skilled enough to help anyone -__-°

oussama · Answer

If you have interesting documents in C:\ ... I think you should reinstall Windows in another directory without formatting Windows, then retrieve your documents...etc, or if you find how to access command DOS mode, write, net user then enter  then when you get the name of the administration, write,  net user (username) then press enter  that's all I know SIR and  that's all I can do for you,  thank you for your question ;) good luck sir

cedrique30 · Answer

Another solution. Create a BOOT MS-DOS USB Key  The original instructions can be found at the following link: http://portables4gamers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=2513  Or, here are the instructions:  Download the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool - v2.1.8: http://www.eocfiles.com/bdc86eb1ed2989c30dcd1902e84939ae/bootdisks/SP27608.exe  Then, download the MS-DOS files from Windows 98: http://www6.eocfiles.com/?tdfs=1&searchbox=1&showDomain=1  Install the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool  Extract the MS-DOS files from Windows 98 into a folder.  Open the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool (found in the Start menu, then in the Hewlett-Packard Company folder)  Enter the name of the USB key: USB_FLASH  Choose FAT as the File system  Check "quick format" unless your USB key has had FAT corruption issues.  Check the box "Create a DOS startup disk"  Then check "Using DOS system files located at" and select the directory where you extracted the Win 98 BOOT files.  And click "START"  You can now copy the files you wish to use in MS-DOS to the USB key.

How to access MS-DOS in XP?

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