MS-DOS

[david peters]

We are running a DOS application in XP from a server on 7 different
computers. When we go to exit or ALT-Tab away from the DOS program, on 2
computers only, we get a black screen and the keyboard freezes. We have to
put these computers to sleep with the sleep button on the keyboard (only key
that works) and then wake them again using the sleep button. After waking
them, we now have to log back onto our domain. This only happens on 2
computers, all seven computers are the same, make, model and keyboards, mice
etc. Very baffling as on the other five, I can alt-tab to my hearts content
with no problems. All systems have been checked to make sure all settings are
the same. In the DOS layout tabs as well as making sure the computers aren't
turning of hard drives, or hibernating or going into sleep mode.
All help is appreciated, I have been searching for a fix for 6 months now.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

We are running a DOS application in XP from a server on 7 different
computers. When we go to exit or ALT-Tab away from the DOS program, on 2
computers only, we get a black screen and the keyboard freezes. We have to
put these computers to sleep with the sleep button on the keyboard (only
key
that works) and then wake them again using the sleep button. After waking
them, we now have to log back onto our domain. This only happens on 2
computers, all seven computers are the same, make, model and keyboards,
mice
etc. Very baffling as on the other five, I can alt-tab to my hearts
content
with no problems. All systems have been checked to make sure all settings
are
the same. In the DOS layout tabs as well as making sure the computers
aren't
turning of hard drives, or hibernating or going into sleep mode.
All help is appreciated, I have been searching for a fix for 6 months now.

- What makes you think that this is a "DOS"-program?
- How exactly do you invoke it?
- Does the CapsLock indicater change when you press the CapsLock
key repeatedly while you see the black screen?
- What happens when you press Ctrl+Shift+Esc while you see
the black screen?
- Is this a networked machine?
- If it is, can you ping it from another machine while you see
the black screen?

 

[Elmo]

We are running a DOS application in XP from a server on 7 different
computers. When we go to exit or ALT-Tab away from the DOS program, on 2
computers only, we get a black screen and the keyboard freezes. We have to
put these computers to sleep with the sleep button on the keyboard (only key
that works) and then wake them again using the sleep button. After waking
them, we now have to log back onto our domain. This only happens on 2
computers, all seven computers are the same, make, model and keyboards, mice
etc. Very baffling as on the other five, I can alt-tab to my hearts content
with no problems. All systems have been checked to make sure all settings are
the same. In the DOS layout tabs as well as making sure the computers aren't
turning of hard drives, or hibernating or going into sleep mode.
All help is appreciated, I have been searching for a fix for 6 months now.

Try lowering graphics hardware acceleration slide. You can lower
graphics hardware acceleration in Display Properties, Settings tab,
Advanced button, Troubleshooting tab. If this helps, you probably need
a different graphics card or drivers.

 

[david peters]

Hi Pegasus,

I know this is a DOS program because I installed it and the company has been
using it for the past 20 years as a booking program in the hospitality
industry. All keys except for the "sleep" key do not work when in the black
screen. Not enter, escape, control alt delete in any or all combinations.
Sometimes we can't even force it into sleep and have to hold the power button
in until it shuts down, then we have to restart it. This is a pain especially
if we are working on somethin in Windows, like replying to an email as we
loose our work. I will try the hardware acceleraqtion slide in the properties
for the video driver first, if this doesn't work I will try to update the
drivers, if this doesn't work, I will try to roll back the drivers. Wish me
luck!

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

OK, if it is a 20-year old program then it is obviously
a DOS program. Unfortunately you chose not to answer
most of my other questions, hence I can offer no further
advice.