Microsoft KB Archive/138807

= WD: Window Stays on Screen Using Shell to Start MS-DOS Program =

Article ID: 138807

Article Last Modified on 8/17/2005

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Word 95 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Word 95a

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This article was previously published under Q138807





SYMPTOMS
If you use the Shell command to run an MS-DOS program, the MS-DOS box remains on the screen, and you must manually close the box.



CAUSE
The Close On Exit property is not set for the MS-DOS window.



WORKAROUND
To work around this problem, use either of the following methods.

Method 1

 * 1) Start MS-DOS Prompt (click the Start button, point to Programs, and then click MS-DOS Prompt).
 * 2) On the toolbar, click Properties.
 * 3) On the Program tab, click to select the Close On Exit check box, and then click OK.

Method 2
Start the program using the MS-DOS command interpreter, Command.com, with the /C switch. This switch closes the window after the program quits. For example, to run a batch file, use the following command:

Shell "command.com /c fred.bat"

