rec.autos.simulators

I know that this is way OT, but a lot of you guys here really know your
stuff about PC's and I hope that you don't mind lending a hand with
this.....

When right-clicking on My Computer and then Properties and Performance,
I get  messages that my Drive A: (and B:) is using MS-DOS compatibility
mode.  The "help" system said that I should check Config.sys for any
drivers not recognized by the system.

Well, my Config.sys file only has these lines:

Device = c:\windows\himem.sys
Device = c:\windows\emm386.exe
Files=30
Buffers=30

I noticed that the date of the config.sys file is 1/29/02.  That's the
day (I think) that I installed an old DOS program (which I could live
without, if need be).

My questions are:
1.  Should I even worry about this?  Will it have a noticable
detrimental effect on my system's performance?  (Athlon XP 1700+) If so,
how do I correct it?
2.  Didn't the need for a config.sys file go out the window, with the
demise of DOS?  Or are some of the lines contained in it needed for
programs other than this DOS-based program?
3.  Do most of you guys even have a config.sys file on your system
anymore?

I'm running Windows 98SE, if that matters...

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bert

  Your system is being seriously degraded by running in the dos
compatibility mode.  Your harddrives are essentially running much slower.  I
had this problem once long ago...you basically have to find the problem and
correct it...
  My first guess would be to check your device manager and see if any of
your hardware had problems(indicated by a yellow ! or a red X)  If you do,
fix those first, getting new drivers and re-installing.
  After that it gets trickier...and I won't be much help.  Hopefully others
can chip in...Good luck...
btw...how long has it been since you last installed windows?  You may find a
big boost by erasing windows and re-installing.  But if you not familiar
with the process, then keep asking til you are comfortable with what is
needed.
dave henrie

Beside what Dave said, DOS didn't die with Win98SE, which is why there still
is the DOS Prompt listed on the Programs menu.  Are you having any problems
accessing floppy disks on your floppy drive?  My config.sys is empty on my
laptop, but does have entries for the DOS use of the sound card on one of
the desktops.  What it is loading, unless the system automatically bypasses
it, is nothing that hurts anything, Bert.

I suggest you go to Start/Help and look up System File Checker, specifically
the choice of "Using System File Checker."  This will allow your system to
verify the integrity of your operating system files to make sure nothing is
corrupt.  I don't remember specifics of why the mode changed on the floppy
drive, but am looking into it.
--
Chris H.

Update or reinstall the drivers for the hard drive controller in the device
manager. These should be on your motherboard CD. If it is a VIA chip set get the
latest 4 in 1 drivers. You can get them from this site http://www.viaarena.com.
And yes keep the Config.sys the way it is, these lines do make a difference in
performance. Win 98 still relies on DOS for its base program.

Dave

Thanks to all for your help with this so far.

To answer some of the questions:

1.  the floppy drives are still working normally.

2.  In Device Manager, there is an explanation point next to the Standard Floppy
Disk Controller.  Clicking on Properties for the floppy drive controller, I get the
following message:
"This device is not working properly because the BIOS in your computer is reporting
the resources for the device incorrectly (Code 9)."
So, I went to the BIOS to check that the settings were correct (Drive A is a 3-1/2"
drive and Drive B is a 5-1/4" drive), and they appear correct.

3.  Dave, I don't think that my hard drives are affected, as the messages only refer
to the floppy drives.

4.  I do have a VIA chipset, Dave (dvgtvg) - an Epox 8kha+ mobo, which I just
installed 3 weeks ago.  Windows was a totally clean install at that time, as well.

Do you recommend that I re-install the 4in1 drivers from my mobo CD, or get the
drivers from the website you referred to?  (...or something else...)  I hesitate to
re-install the drivers -- Will I lose any any data or drivers for other devices (ie
- vidcard, soundcard, game controllers, etc)  if I do that?

Thanks again.
Bert

  ok the 3 1/2 inch floppy could be set in the bios as a 720  floppy when it
should be a 1.4.  check that...good luck
dave henrie

http://www.viaarena.com.

Check in the BIOS that the floppy drive is acutally enabled. Also, try
putting a NON-booting disk in the floppy drive, if the floppy is working
(and is also set as the first booting device,) you should get an error
saying that their isn't a bootable device. If you put a non-booting disk in
and you just go into Windows, then there is a more severe problem with your
floppy. Here is the knowledge base info
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q125174
-Stuart Becktell

Stuart,

Thanks for that Link!  The solution was simple......Just remove the device from
the Device Manager listing, Reboot, and let Windows re-install the device.
Voila!

Thank to all for your help!
Bert