DOS Games

Hi-- I'm a former Mac owner and recently purchased some DOS games-- but am not sure how to properly access them and exit them. I am running Windows98 on a PIII and just need some pointers getting into the games and how to get back to windows after shutting them down-- and how to shut down without going to windows (if that is possible/safe). Thanks in advance for your help. MCS

My machine is set up so that I can access "DOS 7" without the Win98 GUI. It's done as follows: (1) Install a program called "Tweak UI". It's found on the win98 CD, I think in the tools subdirectory, someone on the windows NG's can help you if I'm wrong. Run Tweak UI (It's in the control panel) select the boot tab and disable "Boot GUI" (2) Edit your autoexec.bat file to: include c:\windows\command in the path, and, end the autoexec.bat with cd\windows win (3) in your \Windows main directory, delete (or better, archive) logos.sys and logow.sys (4) run the system configuration utilitty (I do not remember exactly where this is normally located, again ask on a windows NG for help) -you want to disable "fast shutdown" At this point, when you exit windows you will be at a pure DOS prompt. I have not found any DOS games that will not work on my system at that level. --------------------------------------------- "Today's problems were yesterday's solutions" Delete the 999 to email

The #1 thing to try is to right click on the exe or shortcut for the game and go to the Advanced button from the Properties tab. Then simply make sure you have the box checked for "Prevent MS-DOS-based programs from detecting windows". Or make sure the box is unchecked. One of these should work. That was the program will run from within windows without rebooting and will act somewhat like a windows program. For example I have IndyCar Racing 2 setup like this and it uses my Logitech FF USB wheel for the steering control device with no problem. In extreme cases you would have to check the box for MS-DOS mode and even specify your own startup files. The computer would then reboot with your specialized configuration. But this isn't really needed anymore. -- Header address intentionally scrambled to ward off the spamming hordes. cisko [AT] ix [DOT] netcom [DOT] com

Okay-- tinkering will begin this AM, but last night when I tried to load up one of the games I couldn't get MS-DOS to recognize my CD-ROM drive. When in Windows98 everything works fine though. I'd get the C:\Windows> prompt and type in D: and get "Invalid Drive something something" Why can't I get a D: prompt? Thanks in advance, MCS

Ahh... another Mac begins his initiation into the wonderful world of DOS! I didn't realize you needed CDROM access, all my DOS games are fully installed on the HD. You need a couple of other programs loaded, something called MSCDEX and a driver for the CD ROM. Let me look at my home configuration tonight and I'll get back to you here. Two questions: did you get a boot diskette with your copy of Windows 98? what is the make and model of the CDROM?? --------------------------------------------- "Today's problems were yesterday's solutions" Delete the 999 to email

Well-- I got the games to run. Now I'm having sound issues. I have a Soundblaster Live Value card and it supposedly emulates a SB 16 (which is what most of the games seem to top out at) but I need to know the manual settings (PORT/IRQ/DMA) to get past the sound tests. Auto-detect functions only return a "sound card not detected" message. Any suggestions--- I also left a note for Microprose to see what they would come up with. Thanks in advance (AGAIN!) MCS

On Tue, 13 Jul 1999 10:59:25 -0700, "Matt & Alice Simmons"

Quoted text (7 lines)

>Well-- I got the games to run. Now I'm having sound issues. I have a >Soundblaster Live Value card and it supposedly emulates a SB 16 (which is >what most of the games seem to top out at) but I need to know the manual >settings (PORT/IRQ/DMA) to get past the sound tests. Auto-detect functions >only return a "sound card not detected" message. Any suggestions--- I also >left a note for Microprose to see what they would come up with. Thanks in >advance (AGAIN!) MCS

While there ARE exceptions, a good rule of thumb is to ALWAYS have your sound card set to Port 220, IRQ 5, DMA 1 for the best DOS support. You need a copuple of lines in your autoexec.bat that say: Set Sound=c:\directorywheresoundsoftwareisinstalled Set Blaster=A220 I5 D1 T2 (not sure about your T setting, try 1 thru 4 if 2 doesn't work). T4 is usually for generic clones. Gunner

You need to go to the Control Panel/System/Device Manager and look at your soundcard. My SBPCI64 has an entry for "Sound Blaster PCI64 Legacy Device". You should have something similar for your Soundblaster Live! Mine has a "DOS Settings" tab which has all the settings for the card. You may also find that it will work better if you select a simply mono Sound Blaster from within the game. -- Header address intentionally scrambled to ward off the spamming hordes. cisko [AT] ix [DOT] netcom [DOT] com

Try booting your system with a boot cd that came with your system. Boot to dos with the cd. Read carefully for a line that says something like "cd drive R:" What happens when you use a boot disk is that the boot disk makes the cd drive under another letter BESIDES d: Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Share what you know. Learn what you don't.