autoexec.bat and command.com

[Jeff B.]

I am trying to upgrade the BIOS on my computer. I
downloaded the bios update and extracted the files to my
hard drive. I then tried to copy the files to a 3.5in
floppy but for some reason the autoexec.bat and
command.com files disappeared on the floppy. At first
they appeared on the floppy (in Windows Explorer) very
lightly but when I reboot the computer with the floppy in
the drive I get the message NON SYSTEM DISK OR DISK
ERROR. I don't understand why I can't seem to copy these
two files to the floppy in Win XP. Can anyone help?

 

[Norm]

Copying an autoexec.bat and command.com file to a floppy does not make it
bootable. You need to format it and check the options "Create an MS-DOS
startup disk".

 

[Alex Nichol]

I am trying to upgrade the BIOS on my computer. I
downloaded the bios update and extracted the files to my
hard drive. I then tried to copy the files to a 3.5in
floppy but for some reason the autoexec.bat and
command.com files disappeared on the floppy.

Make a floppy for the purpose in XP - My Computer, r-click the drive;
Format and check the MSDOS Startup disk box.

This will have just a command.com and does not need either config.sys or
autoexec.bat to run your flashing program - just copy that and its data
to the floppy, restart, booting the floppy and give the flash program's
name to the prompt. Be sure to start by backing up the existing BIOS
and if there is the slightest suggestion that the flash has not been
perfect, run it again and restore the backup - DO NOT reboot