When the system starts, it automatically runs a DOS program and never reaches Windows 95/98. When exiting the program, the system restarts and repeats the cycle.

Cause

This problem can occur with DOS programs that require MS-DOS mode when run under Windows 95/98. The situation is caused when a user inadvertently executes the program twice in rapid succession.

Specifically, when one copy of a MS-DOS mode program is executed, Windows makes a backup of the original configuration files and modifies the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT to execute the program, after which the original files are restored. In this case, the second execution backs up the modified configuration files, restoring a previously modified version that causes the DOS program to be automatically executed (again).

For more information, see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base articles:

• Q130448 - Cannot Quit MS-DOS Mode
• Q151717 - Cannot Exit MS-DOS Mode

The solution for this problem is to go to the Command Prompt and remove the extra lines added to the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files by Windows 95/98. To accomplish this, carefully perform the following steps:

1. Go to the Command Prompt:
   Restart the computer and press the [F8] key as soon as Windows begins to load (immediately after the BIOS beeps) to bring up the 'Startup Menu'. Select "Step-by-step confirmation" and respond 'No' by pressing [N] at each subsequent prompt until the Command Prompt ("C:\>") is shown.
2. Modify the CONFIG.SYS file:
   Type "EDIT CONFIG.SYS" to invoke the text editor and verify that the first line reads "DOS=SINGLE". Highlight this line by holding the left [Shift] key and pressing the down arrow, and then delete it by pressing [Del]. Type [Alt][F], then [S], to save the file. Type [Alt][F], then [X], to exit the editor.
3. Modify the AUTOEXEC.BAT file:
   Type "EDIT AUTOEXEC.BAT" to invoke the text editor and verify that a comment indicates that the last several lines have been added by Windows. Highlight these lines by positioning the cursor at the beginning of the first added line, using the arrow keys, and then holding the left [Shift] key while pressing the down arrow. Delete the added lines by pressing the [Del] key. Type [Alt][F], then [S], to save the file. Type [Alt][F], then [X], to exit the editor.
4. Restart the system by pressing [Ctrl][Alt][Del].

The system should restart into Windows 95/98 without additional problems.

Note: All solutions suggested on this site have been tested to work properly on systems under controlled circumstances. However, it is not possible to anticipate every potential configuration issue, so SophSoft cannot be liable for unforeseen problems caused by any actions taken in response to these suggestions. If you are not completely comfortable performing the recommended solution, do not attempt to do so yourself, and consult a professional support technician.

If you are experiencing other problems with an unsupported title published by Sophisticated Software Systems, please contact support@sophsoft.com for additional assistance.