How do I escape windows to access DOS?

[NewDude]

I'm running XP and can't remember how to escape from windows into DOS. Also if there's anyone who can tell me how to freeze what's going across the screen during POST, I sure do appreciate it!

Basically I need to satisfy my curiosity and a couple of good books would be a good idea, but I don't know where to begin. I'm trying to get down to the nitty-gritty about what's happening inside my computer. I'm basically after technical details with lots of elaboration.

 

[smah]

With XP, there is no longer real DOS. You're looking for 'Command Prompt' under accessories in the start menu.

To pause the post info, use the 'Pause' key on your keyboard and any other key to continue.

 

[CitrixEngineer]

Windows NT is so radically different to DOS Windows that it would be best, IMO, to take the MCSE and then start looking for in-depth technical information if you want to find out exactly what it does.

Windows 1.0 - 4.x (Windows 95, 98SE and ME) all depend on a version of DOS being loaded prior to the Graphical User Interface, initiated by win.com.

Windows NT (which includes Windows 2000, XP and .NET/2003 Server) does not touch DOS, instead, it uses its own bootstrap to load a kernel, which in turn loads a Hardware Abstraction Layer, which deals with software modules to control the hardware (device drivers).

There is so much more to it that is already covered in the MCSE course and in technical articles on Microsoft's site, and all over the internet, that it would be a waste of time to cover it here. I have been using NT since version 3.1, back in 1992, and I am still learning much about the internals.

If you do decide to take my advice, you'll end up with an MCSE as a bonus. Have a look at forum468, and don't be put off by all the detractors who say that the MCSE is a joke - it's a useful tool for learning more about something you're interested in, and has the useful side effect of making you more employable.

Go Get IT CitrixEngineer@yahoo.co.uk

 

[chilipep417]

I had the problem once.. unlike Win 98, in XP you do not have the choice to Restart in MS-DOS mode. If you want to run DOS using windows, just go to Accessories > Command Prompt. but if you want to run DOS entirely, you need to have a boot disk or start-up disk. Shut down your computer, insert your boot disk, then turn it on again. Instead of going directly to Win XP, you will go to DOS Mode.

Hope this helps.

Cheers!

 

[ceh4702]

just go to the run line in the start menu and type cmd enter.
If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.

 

[CitrixEngineer]

ceh4702 - I'm surprised at you! That is not DOS CitrixEngineer@yahoo.co.uk

 

[ceh4702]

I know XP doesnt have DOS, but it is a close proximity. You can not even get a boot disk to work with a NTFS system. If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.

 

[CitrixEngineer]

Yes you can - it's called the installation CD CitrixEngineer@yahoo.co.uk