I need a config.sys to run an old DOS program....

[JoJoGunn]

can I just make one using Notepad and put it in the Windows folder?

I have an old DOS program that needs the line 'FILES=30'. I see that
line is in the config.nt folder but it doesn't allow my program to
run.

What to do?

Thank you all in advance

 

[David Candy]

No.

Edit c:\windows\system32\config.nt.

 

[EGR]

We had a similar problem where the program was reporting "DOS Error 4 (Too
many files open)"
Changing the files= setting had no effect (even setting it to double that
recommended).
However, we solved it as follows (don't ask me why this worked - it just
did!):

Create a shortcut to the DOS program on the desktop.
Right-click and choose properties
Click the Memory tab
Change the Extended (XMS) Memory setting from Auto to 4096
Check the box: Uses HMA

Hope it works for you too.

 

[Alex Nichol]

can I just make one using Notepad and put it in the Windows folder?

I have an old DOS program that needs the line 'FILES=30'. I see that
line is in the config.nt folder but it doesn't allow my program to
run.

You can adjust the line in that file (I'd put it up a bit - maybe
files=50)

If that does not do it, there is some other reason for the program not
running: It may be one of those that wants to manipulate the hardware
for itself, rather than through the system, or it may need more
conventional memory: what are the error messages, if any?

 

[JoJoGunn]

You can adjust the line in that file (I'd put it up a bit - maybe
files=50)

If that does not do it, there is some other reason for the program not
running: It may be one of those that wants to manipulate the hardware
for itself, rather than through the system, or it may need more
conventional memory: what are the error messages, if any?

Hi Alex,

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. The error message I
get, when I try to run my DOS program is this: Insufficient DOS file
handlers available. Your config.sys must contain FILES=30 or greater.
Your current setting is "0".

I took your advice and changed the config.nt file to read FILES=50 but
that doesn't help at all. I also tried to use the compatiblily wizard
with no success. The program in question is a database program for
storing frequencies of various radio stations, fire, police,.etc.

Would it help if I emailed you the program so you can see what it
does?

Thank you,

Jo Jo

 

[Alex Nichol]

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. The error message I
get, when I try to run my DOS program is this: Insufficient DOS file
handlers available. Your config.sys must contain FILES=30 or greater.
Your current setting is "0".

I can only think then that the program itself is going and looking in a
C:\config.sys file for a line
FILES=50

and is not happy when it does not find it. XP does not use it, but
keeps a one around (normally empty). You need to have Folder Options -
View set to show Hidden files, and *not* Hide Protected mode ones, then
take a look, and edit it with NotePad (or create it if it is not in the
root of the C:\ drive) to include the line

 

[JoJoGunn]

I can only think then that the program itself is going and looking in a
C:\config.sys file for a line
FILES=50

and is not happy when it does not find it. XP does not use it, but
keeps a one around (normally empty). You need to have Folder Options -
View set to show Hidden files, and *not* Hide Protected mode ones, then
take a look, and edit it with NotePad (or create it if it is not in the
root of the C:\ drive) to include the line

Hi Alex,

I took your advice and added the necessary line to the config.sys
file, which revealed itself after changing the settings you mentioned
<g>.

Now the program runs, but only at half size on my screen. I have tried
various changes to the properties of the file but none of them seem to
change the way the program looks on my monitor. I use a 19" Viewsonic
LCD and an NVidia graphics card, if that makes any difference. The
manual of the program says that it is written in a language called
Clipper, it would appear that some of the variables might be what is
causing my trouble with the half screen. I have never heard of
"Clipper" so am clueless as to what to change, if anything.

This program worked fine under Win98 and 95, but of course the old DOS
underpinnings were there for it to use.

Any thoughts on the display size?

Cheers,

J J

 

[Alex Nichol]

I took your advice and added the necessary line to the config.sys
file, which revealed itself after changing the settings you mentioned

Good to hear the program does now run

Now the program runs, but only at half size on my screen. I have tried
various changes to the properties of the file but none of them seem to
change the way the program looks on my monitor. I use a 19" Viewsonic
LCD and an NVidia graphics card, if that makes any difference. The
manual of the program says that it is written in a language called
Clipper, it would appear that some of the variables might be what is
causing my trouble with the half screen. I have never heard of
"Clipper" so am clueless as to what to change, if anything.

This program worked fine under Win98 and 95, but of course the old DOS
underpinnings were there for it to use.

Any thoughts on the display size?

This is one that gets mentioned fairly often, but I have not seen any
really satisfactory answer - keep watching. One thing that may help is
a forced switching to full screen mode by hitting Alt-Enter, but that is
at best a work around

 

[JoJoGunn]

This is one that gets mentioned fairly often, but I have not seen any
really satisfactory answer - keep watching. One thing that may help is
a forced switching to full screen mode by hitting Alt-Enter, but that is
at best a work around

Hello Alex,

When I try to hit the ALT+ENTER it causes the program to be in a
smaller window with the upper half being the program itself! Using
that combo again returns it to the FULL half screen mode with no
scroll bars or anything else surrounding the window, IE: It looks like
a DOS program, but it's only using the upper half of the monitor.

Thanks for your patience and attention to this matter.

PS: I had some amateur radio friends that lived in Bournemouth, but
have since moved on to Spain. I'd be curious to know if by chance you
knew them. I can forward their names to you if like.

Cheers,

J J