Microsoft KB Archive/101042: Difference between revisions
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This article contains a comprehensive list of documentation errors reported for the MS-DOS 5 product documentation. The following topics are covered: | This article contains a comprehensive list of documentation errors reported for the MS-DOS 5 product documentation. The following topics are covered: | ||
=== | === "User's Guide and Reference" === | ||
* SETVER Can Be Used Without Being Installing as a Device Driver | * SETVER Can Be Used Without Being Installing as a Device Driver | ||
Line 58: | Line 58: | ||
* SHIFT+code ASCII Code for C is 67, Not 66 as Shown | * SHIFT+code ASCII Code for C is 67, Not 66 as Shown | ||
* DRIVER.SYS Does Not Accept /I Option | * DRIVER.SYS Does Not Accept /I Option | ||
* PRINT Command /S: | * PRINT Command /S: <ticks3> Switch | ||
* MS-DOS 5.0 Disk Densities Incorrectly Documented | * MS-DOS 5.0 Disk Densities Incorrectly Documented | ||
* MS-DOS 5.0 COUNTRY=061, COUNTRY=044, and Time Format | * MS-DOS 5.0 COUNTRY=061, COUNTRY=044, and Time Format | ||
=== | === "Getting Started" === | ||
* Expanding New MS-DOS Shell Video Drivers | * Expanding New MS-DOS Shell Video Drivers | ||
Line 83: | Line 83: | ||
* System Requirements Error on Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Box | * System Requirements Error on Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Box | ||
=== | === "USER'S GUIDE AND REFERENCE" === | ||
=== SETVER Can Be Used Without Being Installing as a Device Driver === | === SETVER Can Be Used Without Being Installing as a Device Driver === | ||
The following incorrect statement appears on page 562 of the version 5.0 | The following incorrect statement appears on page 562 of the version 5.0 "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference": | ||
<div class="indent"> | <div class="indent"> | ||
Line 105: | Line 105: | ||
=== Using the F4 and F5 Keys in DOSKEY === | === Using the F4 and F5 Keys in DOSKEY === | ||
On page 451 of the version 5.0 | On page 451 of the version 5.0 "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" the F4 and F5 keys for DOSKEY are described. The information in the manual is misleading.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
The following is the actual behavior of the F4 and F5 keys: | The following is the actual behavior of the F4 and F5 keys: | ||
Line 123: | Line 123: | ||
DIR<br /> | DIR<br /> | ||
DIR A:<br /> | DIR A:<br /> | ||
VER | VER <F5><br /> | ||
F3</span> | F3</span> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
The result: | The result: "VER A:" is displayed on the command line.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
According to the documentation, the result should be | According to the documentation, the result should be "VER" only. The DOSKEY history will now look like the list above without the VER command, since VER was not executed. | ||
=== RAMDRIVE.SYS Maximum Size === | === RAMDRIVE.SYS Maximum Size === | ||
Page 614 of the | Page 614 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" for version 5.0 incorrectly states | ||
<div class="indent"> | <div class="indent"> | ||
Line 149: | Line 149: | ||
=== Clarification of the 2.77 HIMEM.SYS Default Handle === | === Clarification of the 2.77 HIMEM.SYS Default Handle === | ||
At the end of the second paragraph on page 611, the | At the end of the second paragraph on page 611, the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" states: | ||
<div class="indent"> | <div class="indent"> | ||
Line 165: | Line 165: | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
where | where "#" is the handle desired.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
NOTE: Since HIMEM.SYS may incorrectly default to a different handle than 1, make sure to try /M:1. HIMEM.SYS states what handle it uses at startup. Look for the following statement | NOTE: Since HIMEM.SYS may incorrectly default to a different handle than 1, make sure to try /M:1. HIMEM.SYS states what handle it uses at startup. Look for the following statement | ||
<pre class="fixed_text"> Installed a20 handle #x | <pre class="fixed_text"> Installed a20 handle #x | ||
</pre> | </pre> | ||
where | where "x" is the handle used<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
For more information on MS-DOS 5.0 HIMEM.SYS and machine handles, query on the following words: | For more information on MS-DOS 5.0 HIMEM.SYS and machine handles, query on the following words: | ||
Line 181: | Line 181: | ||
=== Incorrect Syntax for RESTORE to View Backup Files === | === Incorrect Syntax for RESTORE to View Backup Files === | ||
On page 144 of the | On page 144 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" for version 5.0, the command syntax is incorrectly stated as "RESTORE C: A: /D."<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
The correct syntax is: | The correct syntax is: | ||
Line 193: | Line 193: | ||
=== Misleading Information on Monochrome-4 Colors Scheme in Shell === | === Misleading Information on Monochrome-4 Colors Scheme in Shell === | ||
The dimmed commands in the DOSSHELL menus are not visible when using the Monochrome-4 Colors scheme. The version 5.0 | The dimmed commands in the DOSSHELL menus are not visible when using the Monochrome-4 Colors scheme. The version 5.0 "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" incorrectly states that the only color schemes in which the dimmed commands are not visible are Monochrome-2 Colors, and Reverse color.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
The information on page 33 of the version 5.0 | The information on page 33 of the version 5.0 "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" is misleading. It should state that the dimmed commands are not visible in Monochrome-4 Colors, Monochrome-2 Colors, and Reverse color schemes. | ||
=== HIMEM.SYS Is Not an Upper Memory Block Provider === | === HIMEM.SYS Is Not an Upper Memory Block Provider === | ||
HIMEM.SYS is not an upper memory block (UMB) provider with any known chip set.<br /> | HIMEM.SYS is not an upper memory block (UMB) provider with any known chip set.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
Page 436 of the | Page 436 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" states: | ||
<div class="indent"> | <div class="indent"> | ||
Line 210: | Line 210: | ||
=== EMM386.EXE Provides Minimum 64K EMS === | === EMM386.EXE Provides Minimum 64K EMS === | ||
The minimum amount of expanded memory (EMS) that can be provided by EMM386.EXE is 64K. Page 606 of the | The minimum amount of expanded memory (EMS) that can be provided by EMM386.EXE is 64K. Page 606 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" version 5.0 manual incorrectly states that the minimum value is 16K.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
If the memory size is stated as 16K in the DEVICE= line that loads EMM386.EXE in the CONFIG.SYS file, the size will be adjusted to 64K and the following message will be displayed: | If the memory size is stated as 16K in the DEVICE= line that loads EMM386.EXE in the CONFIG.SYS file, the size will be adjusted to 64K and the following message will be displayed: | ||
Line 227: | Line 227: | ||
=== MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Setup Does Not Repartition Hard Drive === | === MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Setup Does Not Repartition Hard Drive === | ||
Page 149 of the | Page 149 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" version 5.0 manual states the following: | ||
<div class="indent"> | <div class="indent"> | ||
Line 249: | Line 249: | ||
=== SHIFT+code ASCII Code for C is 67, Not 66 as Shown === | === SHIFT+code ASCII Code for C is 67, Not 66 as Shown === | ||
Page 598 of the version 5.0 | Page 598 of the version 5.0 "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" manual incorrectly states that the SHIFT+code ASCII key code for the for the letter C is 66. This information is incorrect. The correct SHIFT+code ASCII code for C is 67.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
The ASCII code for C (uppercase C) is correctly included in the table on page 632. | The ASCII code for C (uppercase C) is correctly included in the table on page 632. | ||
=== DRIVER.SYS Does Not Accept /I Option === | === DRIVER.SYS Does Not Accept /I Option === | ||
Page 75 of the | Page 75 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS Getting Started" manual incorrectly shows the /i option being used with the device driver DRIVER.SYS.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
If you use /i with DRIVER.SYS, the following message will be displayed when booting your machine | If you use /i with DRIVER.SYS, the following message will be displayed when booting your machine | ||
Line 263: | Line 263: | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
where | where "X" is the line that DRIVER.SYS is on in the CONFIG.SYS.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
The following lines appear on page 75 of the | The following lines appear on page 75 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS Getting Started" manual under Procedure 2, step 3: | ||
<pre class="fixed_text"> device=driver.sys /d:0 /f:7 /i | <pre class="fixed_text"> device=driver.sys /d:0 /f:7 /i | ||
device=driver.sys /d:1 /f:7 /i | device=driver.sys /d:1 /f:7 /i | ||
</pre> | </pre> | ||
The /i option is only valid with the DRIVPARM statement that is loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file. /i specifies an electronically compatible 3.5-inch floppy disk drive. | The /i option is only valid with the DRIVPARM statement that is loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file. /i specifies an electronically compatible 3.5-inch floppy disk drive. | ||
=== PRINT Command /S: | === PRINT Command /S: <ticks3> Switch === | ||
The explanation for the MS-DOS PRINT command switch /S: | The explanation for the MS-DOS PRINT command switch /S:<ticks3> on page 543 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" incorrectly states the following: | ||
<div class="indent"> | <div class="indent"> | ||
Line 279: | Line 279: | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
The | The <ticks3> value actually represents the CPU time (expressed in time-slice ticks) that passes before PRINT.EXE can use a tick to send characters to the printer. If you increase this value, printing slows because more of the CPU time is allotted to tasks other than printing. For example, if you set this value to 25, PRINT.EXE must wait 25 ticks before it can use one tick's worth of time to send characters to the printer. A smaller value for the /S switch gives PRINT.EXE more of the CPU cycle and therefore speeds up printing. | ||
=== MS-DOS 5.0 Disk Densities Incorrectly Documented === | === MS-DOS 5.0 Disk Densities Incorrectly Documented === | ||
Page 126 of the | Page 126 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" should read as follows: | ||
<pre class="fixed_text"> 5.25-inch, double sided/HIGH density 1228K or 1.2 MB | <pre class="fixed_text"> 5.25-inch, double sided/HIGH density 1228K or 1.2 MB | ||
3.5-inch, double sided/HIGH density 1474K or 1.44 MB | 3.5-inch, double sided/HIGH density 1474K or 1.44 MB | ||
Line 292: | Line 292: | ||
The CONFIG.SYS command, COUNTRY.SYS, does not change the time format to 24-hour format when COUNTRY is set equal to 061 (International English) or 044 (United Kingdom). This conflicts with the COUNTRY command documentation.<br /> | The CONFIG.SYS command, COUNTRY.SYS, does not change the time format to 24-hour format when COUNTRY is set equal to 061 (International English) or 044 (United Kingdom). This conflicts with the COUNTRY command documentation.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
This error occurs on page 395 of the | This error occurs on page 395 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference."<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
COUNTRY.SYS can be used to change the time and date format that MS-DOS uses to display time and date information. The file COUNTRY.SYS is loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file. Following is an example of the COUNTRY.SYS as it should appear in the CONFIG.SYS: | COUNTRY.SYS can be used to change the time and date format that MS-DOS uses to display time and date information. The file COUNTRY.SYS is loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file. Following is an example of the COUNTRY.SYS as it should appear in the CONFIG.SYS: | ||
Line 299: | Line 299: | ||
The above statement provides support for the International English character set.<br /> | The above statement provides support for the International English character set.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
Page 395 of the | Page 395 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" documentation incorrectly states that setting COUNTRY= to 061 (International English) or 044 United Kingdom) in the CONFIG.SYS file will cause MS-DOS 5.0 to display the time in 24-hour format. Loading either of the above country codes will cause the time to be displayed in 12-hour format. Examples of both formats are as follows: | ||
<pre class="fixed_text"> 24-Hour Format 12-Hour Format | <pre class="fixed_text"> 24-Hour Format 12-Hour Format | ||
---------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | ||
17:35:00.00 5:35:00 | 17:35:00.00 5:35:00 | ||
</pre> | </pre> | ||
=== | === "GETTING STARTED" === | ||
=== Expanding New MS-DOS Shell Video Drivers === | === Expanding New MS-DOS Shell Video Drivers === | ||
Page 46 of the version 5.0 | Page 46 of the version 5.0 "Microsoft MS-DOS Getting Started" manual (which discusses how to create a DOSSHELL.INI file) incorrectly states that you should expand a file called VGA.IN_; this file does not exist. Instead, a file named EGA.IN_ should be expanded if you use a VGA video card.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
The file named VGA.IN_ does not exist on the Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade disks. Instead, you should type one of the following commands: | The file named VGA.IN_ does not exist on the Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade disks. Instead, you should type one of the following commands: | ||
Line 316: | Line 316: | ||
=== DCA 10NET Versions 4.20.2 and Later Work with MS-DOS 5.0 === | === DCA 10NET Versions 4.20.2 and Later Work with MS-DOS 5.0 === | ||
The version 5.0 | The version 5.0 "Microsoft MS-DOS Getting Started" manual states that DCA 10NET versions 3.0 through 4.2 will work under MS-DOS 5.0. However, according to DCA, only version 4.20.2 or version 4.2 level 20 will work correctly with MS-DOS 5.0.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
If you try to run a version of 10NET earlier than 4.20.2 under MS-DOS 5.0, you may get a | If you try to run a version of 10NET earlier than 4.20.2 under MS-DOS 5.0, you may get a "Wrong DOS version, sorry" or "Incorrect DOS version" error message, or the network will not work reliably. Using the DOS LOADFIX and SETVER commands will not correct the problem.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
To upgrade to the latest version of 10NET, call DCA. | To upgrade to the latest version of 10NET, call DCA. | ||
Line 329: | Line 329: | ||
The Seagate ST-01 and ST-02 hard-disk controller cards are made for Seagate by Western Digital. Section 2.14 of the MS-DOS 5.0 README.TXT file does apply to the ST-01 and ST-02 hard-disk controller cards.<br /> | The Seagate ST-01 and ST-02 hard-disk controller cards are made for Seagate by Western Digital. Section 2.14 of the MS-DOS 5.0 README.TXT file does apply to the ST-01 and ST-02 hard-disk controller cards.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
The following is a copy of the incorrect portion of the README.TXT file, which is found in the section titled | The following is a copy of the incorrect portion of the README.TXT file, which is found in the section titled "2. NOTES ON SETUP": | ||
<pre class="fixed_text"> 2.14 Western Digital SCSI Hard-Disk Controller | <pre class="fixed_text"> 2.14 Western Digital SCSI Hard-Disk Controller | ||
---------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | ||
Line 340: | Line 340: | ||
=== README.TXT and 50-Line Mode with an ATI Wondercard === | === README.TXT and 50-Line Mode with an ATI Wondercard === | ||
The README.TXT file on the Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade installation disks refer to the | The README.TXT file on the Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade installation disks refer to the "ATI Wondercard 3.x" not working in 50-line mode. This can be confusing because there are various ATI products that fit this description. ATI believes the problem is in the ATI EGA Wondercard which identifies itself as a VGA even though it doesn't fully support VGA functions.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
To work around this problem, reconfigure the VGA card to work as an EGA card. To do this insert the ATI disk in the floppy disk drive and type <span class="kbd userinput"> | To work around this problem, reconfigure the VGA card to work as an EGA card. To do this insert the ATI disk in the floppy disk drive and type <span class="kbd userinput"> <floppy drive letter>:\SMS EGABIOS</span> at the MS-DOS command prompt prior to running MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Setup.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
If you have already upgraded and are running into a problem running in 50-line mode, remove (uninstall) MS-DOS 5, run the command noted above and reinstall MS-DOS 5 Upgrade. | If you have already upgraded and are running into a problem running in 50-line mode, remove (uninstall) MS-DOS 5, run the command noted above and reinstall MS-DOS 5 Upgrade. | ||
Line 349: | Line 349: | ||
=== APPNOTES.TXT Reference to LOADFIX Documentation Incorrect === | === APPNOTES.TXT Reference to LOADFIX Documentation Incorrect === | ||
The APPNOTES.TXT file located on the last disk in the MS-DOS 5 Upgrade floppy disk set refers you to Chapter 4 of the | The APPNOTES.TXT file located on the last disk in the MS-DOS 5 Upgrade floppy disk set refers you to Chapter 4 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS Getting Started" manual for more information on the LOADFIX command. However, there is no Chapter 4 in the specified book.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
For more information on LOADFIX, refer to page 41 of the | For more information on LOADFIX, refer to page 41 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS Getting Started" manual; there is no reference to LOADFIX in the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference." | ||
=== APPNOTES.TXT and Software Carousel === | === APPNOTES.TXT and Software Carousel === | ||
Section 1.19 ( | Section 1.19 ("Software Carousel") of the APPNOTES.TXT file supplied with MS-DOS 5.0 Upgrade should include the following information: | ||
<div class="indent"> | <div class="indent"> | ||
Line 388: | Line 388: | ||
=== System Requirements Error on Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Box === | === System Requirements Error on Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Box === | ||
The Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade package incorrectly states (on the back of the box) under | The Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade package incorrectly states (on the back of the box) under "System Requirements" that "256K of memory" is required. The correct memory requirement, as stated in the "Microsoft MS-DOS Getting Started" version 5.0 manual, is 512K bytes of memory. The minimum amount of "free" memory necessary to run the MS-DOS 5.0 installation procedure is 256K bytes.<br /> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
The Borland, ATI, and DCA products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability. | The Borland, ATI, and DCA products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability. |
Latest revision as of 10:14, 20 July 2020
Article ID: 101042
Article Last Modified on 2/22/2002
APPLIES TO
- Microsoft MS-DOS 5.0 Standard Edition
This article was previously published under Q101042
SUMMARY
This article contains a comprehensive list of documentation errors reported for the MS-DOS 5 product documentation. The following topics are covered:
"User's Guide and Reference"
- SETVER Can Be Used Without Being Installing as a Device Driver
- Using the F4 and F5 Keys in DOSKEY
- RAMDRIVE.SYS Maximum Size
- Clarification of the 2.77 HIMEM.SYS Default Handle
- Incorrect Syntax for RESTORE to View Backup Files
- Misleading Information on Monochrome-4 Colors Scheme in Shell
- HIMEM.SYS Is Not an Upper Memory Block Provider
- EMM386.EXE Provides Minimum 64K EMS
- MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Setup Does Not Repartition Hard Drive
- SHIFT+code ASCII Code for C is 67, Not 66 as Shown
- DRIVER.SYS Does Not Accept /I Option
- PRINT Command /S: <ticks3> Switch
- MS-DOS 5.0 Disk Densities Incorrectly Documented
- MS-DOS 5.0 COUNTRY=061, COUNTRY=044, and Time Format
"Getting Started"
- Expanding New MS-DOS Shell Video Drivers
- DCA 10NET Versions 4.20.2 and Later Work with MS-DOS 5.0
MS-DOS 5 Upgrade README.TXT File
- README.TXT and ROM Update Available from Columbia Data Products
- README.TXT and 50-Line Mode with an ATI Wondercard
MS-DOS 5 Upgrade APPNOTES.TXT File
- APPNOTES.TXT Reference to LOADFIX Documentation Incorrect
- APPNOTES.TXT and Software Carousel
- APPNOTES.TXT Section 1.4 and CodeView 3.14
- APPNOTES.TXT and Borland Turbo Debugger 386
MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Package (Box)
- System Requirements Error on Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Box
"USER'S GUIDE AND REFERENCE"
SETVER Can Be Used Without Being Installing as a Device Driver
The following incorrect statement appears on page 562 of the version 5.0 "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference":
Before you can use the SETVER command, the version table must be loaded into memory by a device command in your CONFIG.SYS file.
This is not true; the SETVER command can be issued regardless of whether or not SETVER.EXE has been loaded as a device driver.
The version table can be modified via the SETVER command as long as SETVER.EXE resides in either the current directory or a directory specified in the PATH environment variable. For example, the command
SETVER FORMAT.COM 4.01
would add FORMAT.COM to the version table, regardless of whether or not SETVER was specified as a device driver in the CONFIG.SYS file. However, the values in the table are not used by MS-DOS unless SETVER has been loaded. In the previous example, the entry would have been added to the version table. For the version table to take effect, SETVER must be loaded as a device driver in the CONFIG.SYS file with a statement such as the following:
DEVICE=C:\DOS\SETVER.EXE
This line assumes that MS-DOS version 5.0 was installed in the C:\DOS directory, and the line is inserted into the CONFIG.SYS file by the MS-DOS 5 installation procedure. When this statement is present in the CONFIG.SYS file, the version numbers listed in the version table are used by MS-DOS when the specified program is executed. In the previous example, MS-DOS would report itself as version 4.01 to the program FORMAT.COM.
Using the F4 and F5 Keys in DOSKEY
On page 451 of the version 5.0 "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" the F4 and F5 keys for DOSKEY are described. The information in the manual is misleading.
The following is the actual behavior of the F4 and F5 keys:
F4 Deletes from the current character position up to the character you specify (if your cursor happens to be on the first character, the documentation is correct, but if it is at the default position, the end of the line, then it does nothing).
F5 If you type and execute a few commands and then type another command, but instead of executing it, you press F5, the current line is copied into the buffer (used by F1, F2, F3, and so on). Pressing F3 causes the line to be put in the command line. However, if the command executed prior to the one just typed and copied to the buffer was longer than the current one copied to the buffer, the end of the buffer is not cleared, and you get a combination of the commands.
For example, type the following commands at the MS-DOS command prompt:
DIR
CLS
DIR
DIR A:
VER <F5>
F3
The result: "VER A:" is displayed on the command line.
According to the documentation, the result should be "VER" only. The DOSKEY history will now look like the list above without the VER command, since VER was not executed.
RAMDRIVE.SYS Maximum Size
Page 614 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" for version 5.0 incorrectly states
Valid values for DISK SIZE are in the range 16 through 4096.
where the numbers are given in kilobytes for the size of the RAMDrive utility. The maximum value is not correct.
The maximum value for RAMDRIVE.SYS is 32 MB minus 1K, which comes out to 32,767 kilobytes.
However, when HIMEM.SYS is being used as an XMS provider, RAMDRIVE.SYS can be no larger than 16 MB. This is due to a limitation in the version of HIMEM.SYS that shipped with MS-DOS 5.0.
NOTE: The documentation error was corrected in the Help file that ships with MS-DOS 6.0. The HIMEM.SYS limitation was corrected in the version of HIMEM.SYS that ships with Microsoft Windows version 3.1 and MS-DOS version 6.0.
Clarification of the 2.77 HIMEM.SYS Default Handle
At the end of the second paragraph on page 611, the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" states:
The default value for the /machine:xxxx switch is at or 1.
This is unclear. By default HIMEM.SYS chooses the most appropriate handle for the machine it detects. If it does not detect a specific machine type, it then defaults to /M:1.
If HIMEM.SYS is not loading correctly, the chosen default handle may be incorrect. Type the following to override the HIMEM.SYS default
DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS /M:#
where "#" is the handle desired.
NOTE: Since HIMEM.SYS may incorrectly default to a different handle than 1, make sure to try /M:1. HIMEM.SYS states what handle it uses at startup. Look for the following statement
Installed a20 handle #x
where "x" is the handle used
For more information on MS-DOS 5.0 HIMEM.SYS and machine handles, query on the following words:
himem and /m and dos and 5.0
Incorrect Syntax for RESTORE to View Backup Files
On page 144 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" for version 5.0, the command syntax is incorrectly stated as "RESTORE C: A: /D."
The correct syntax is:
RESTORE A: C:\*.* /D.
- or -
RESTORE A: C:\*.* /D /S
Misleading Information on Monochrome-4 Colors Scheme in Shell
The dimmed commands in the DOSSHELL menus are not visible when using the Monochrome-4 Colors scheme. The version 5.0 "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" incorrectly states that the only color schemes in which the dimmed commands are not visible are Monochrome-2 Colors, and Reverse color.
The information on page 33 of the version 5.0 "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" is misleading. It should state that the dimmed commands are not visible in Monochrome-4 Colors, Monochrome-2 Colors, and Reverse color schemes.
HIMEM.SYS Is Not an Upper Memory Block Provider
HIMEM.SYS is not an upper memory block (UMB) provider with any known chip set.
Page 436 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" states:
On some computers, you might even be able to use HIMEM.SYS itself as the UMB provider.
This statement is incorrect. HIMEM.SYS does NOT have the capability to be used as a UMB provider under any circumstances.
EMM386.EXE Provides Minimum 64K EMS
The minimum amount of expanded memory (EMS) that can be provided by EMM386.EXE is 64K. Page 606 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" version 5.0 manual incorrectly states that the minimum value is 16K.
If the memory size is stated as 16K in the DEVICE= line that loads EMM386.EXE in the CONFIG.SYS file, the size will be adjusted to 64K and the following message will be displayed:
For more information about how EMM386.EXE adjusts the expanded memory pool, query on the following words:
emm386 and ram and xms and 1024
MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Setup Does Not Repartition Hard Drive
Page 149 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" version 5.0 manual states the following:
If MS-DOS 5.0 is the first operating system to be set up on your computer, you can choose to partition your disk when you run the Setup program. By default, the Setup program creates one primary DOS partition that occupies the entire disk.
The MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Setup program does not contain an option to create or repartition a hard drive. This information applies only to the full original equipment manufacturer (OEM) versions of MS-DOS 5.0, not to MS-DOS 5 Upgrade.
The Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade is intended for users currently using MS-DOS version 2.11 or later who want to upgrade their current MS-DOS system to version 5.0. Because the MS-DOS 5 Upgrade is designed for systems that have MS-DOS currently installed, the MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Setup program will only upgrade the current MS-DOS system to version 5.0. It will not repartition or reformat the hard drive.
Once the MS-DOS 5 Upgrade installation has been completed, you can then repartition and format the hard drive.
For more information on repartitioning hard drives with MS-DOS 5.0, query on the following words:
repartitioning and partition and backing and 5.00
SHIFT+code ASCII Code for C is 67, Not 66 as Shown
Page 598 of the version 5.0 "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" manual incorrectly states that the SHIFT+code ASCII key code for the for the letter C is 66. This information is incorrect. The correct SHIFT+code ASCII code for C is 67.
The ASCII code for C (uppercase C) is correctly included in the table on page 632.
DRIVER.SYS Does Not Accept /I Option
Page 75 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS Getting Started" manual incorrectly shows the /i option being used with the device driver DRIVER.SYS.
If you use /i with DRIVER.SYS, the following message will be displayed when booting your machine
where "X" is the line that DRIVER.SYS is on in the CONFIG.SYS.
The following lines appear on page 75 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS Getting Started" manual under Procedure 2, step 3:
device=driver.sys /d:0 /f:7 /i device=driver.sys /d:1 /f:7 /i
The /i option is only valid with the DRIVPARM statement that is loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file. /i specifies an electronically compatible 3.5-inch floppy disk drive.
PRINT Command /S: <ticks3> Switch
The explanation for the MS-DOS PRINT command switch /S:<ticks3> on page 543 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" incorrectly states the following:
Increasing this value can speed up printing while slowing down other programs.
The <ticks3> value actually represents the CPU time (expressed in time-slice ticks) that passes before PRINT.EXE can use a tick to send characters to the printer. If you increase this value, printing slows because more of the CPU time is allotted to tasks other than printing. For example, if you set this value to 25, PRINT.EXE must wait 25 ticks before it can use one tick's worth of time to send characters to the printer. A smaller value for the /S switch gives PRINT.EXE more of the CPU cycle and therefore speeds up printing.
MS-DOS 5.0 Disk Densities Incorrectly Documented
Page 126 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" should read as follows:
5.25-inch, double sided/HIGH density 1228K or 1.2 MB 3.5-inch, double sided/HIGH density 1474K or 1.44 MB 3.5-inch, double sided/EXTRA HIGH density 2949K or 2.88 MB
The information in the manual about the density has been incorrectly reversed. The only EXTRA HIGH density entry should be the 3.5-inch 2.88-MB disk. All other entries in the table are correct.
MS-DOS 5.0 COUNTRY=061, COUNTRY=044, and Time Format
The CONFIG.SYS command, COUNTRY.SYS, does not change the time format to 24-hour format when COUNTRY is set equal to 061 (International English) or 044 (United Kingdom). This conflicts with the COUNTRY command documentation.
This error occurs on page 395 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference."
COUNTRY.SYS can be used to change the time and date format that MS-DOS uses to display time and date information. The file COUNTRY.SYS is loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file. Following is an example of the COUNTRY.SYS as it should appear in the CONFIG.SYS:
country=061,,[drive:][path]country.sys
The above statement provides support for the International English character set.
Page 395 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference" documentation incorrectly states that setting COUNTRY= to 061 (International English) or 044 United Kingdom) in the CONFIG.SYS file will cause MS-DOS 5.0 to display the time in 24-hour format. Loading either of the above country codes will cause the time to be displayed in 12-hour format. Examples of both formats are as follows:
24-Hour Format 12-Hour Format ---------------------------------- 17:35:00.00 5:35:00
"GETTING STARTED"
Expanding New MS-DOS Shell Video Drivers
Page 46 of the version 5.0 "Microsoft MS-DOS Getting Started" manual (which discusses how to create a DOSSHELL.INI file) incorrectly states that you should expand a file called VGA.IN_; this file does not exist. Instead, a file named EGA.IN_ should be expanded if you use a VGA video card.
The file named VGA.IN_ does not exist on the Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade disks. Instead, you should type one of the following commands:
expand ega.in_ c:\dos\dosshell.ini expand ega.in_ c:\dos\ega.ini
DCA 10NET Versions 4.20.2 and Later Work with MS-DOS 5.0
The version 5.0 "Microsoft MS-DOS Getting Started" manual states that DCA 10NET versions 3.0 through 4.2 will work under MS-DOS 5.0. However, according to DCA, only version 4.20.2 or version 4.2 level 20 will work correctly with MS-DOS 5.0.
If you try to run a version of 10NET earlier than 4.20.2 under MS-DOS 5.0, you may get a "Wrong DOS version, sorry" or "Incorrect DOS version" error message, or the network will not work reliably. Using the DOS LOADFIX and SETVER commands will not correct the problem.
To upgrade to the latest version of 10NET, call DCA.
MS-DOS 5 UPGRADE README.TXT FILE
README.TXT and ROM Update Available from Columbia Data Products
There is a documentation error in section 2.14 of the Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade README.TXT file. README.TXT says that the upgrade for Western Digital WD 7000 FASST or AT/XT SCSI customers can be obtained from the customer's vendor. This information is incorrect. The correct source is Columbia Data Products. There is a charge of approximately $50 for the driver.
The Seagate ST-01 and ST-02 hard-disk controller cards are made for Seagate by Western Digital. Section 2.14 of the MS-DOS 5.0 README.TXT file does apply to the ST-01 and ST-02 hard-disk controller cards.
The following is a copy of the incorrect portion of the README.TXT file, which is found in the section titled "2. NOTES ON SETUP":
2.14 Western Digital SCSI Hard-Disk Controller ---------------------------------------------- If you are using a Western Digital WD 7000 FASST or AT/XT SCSI controller with hard-disk ROM version 3.35 or earlier, contact your vendor for an upgrade before installing MS-DOS 5.0. The ROM version number is displayed when you start your computer.
Columbia Data Products is also the proper source of the device drivers referred to in section 2.8 of the README.TXT file.
README.TXT and 50-Line Mode with an ATI Wondercard
The README.TXT file on the Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade installation disks refer to the "ATI Wondercard 3.x" not working in 50-line mode. This can be confusing because there are various ATI products that fit this description. ATI believes the problem is in the ATI EGA Wondercard which identifies itself as a VGA even though it doesn't fully support VGA functions.
To work around this problem, reconfigure the VGA card to work as an EGA card. To do this insert the ATI disk in the floppy disk drive and type <floppy drive letter>:\SMS EGABIOS at the MS-DOS command prompt prior to running MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Setup.
If you have already upgraded and are running into a problem running in 50-line mode, remove (uninstall) MS-DOS 5, run the command noted above and reinstall MS-DOS 5 Upgrade.
MS-DOS 5 UPGRADE APPNOTES.TXT FILE
APPNOTES.TXT Reference to LOADFIX Documentation Incorrect
The APPNOTES.TXT file located on the last disk in the MS-DOS 5 Upgrade floppy disk set refers you to Chapter 4 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS Getting Started" manual for more information on the LOADFIX command. However, there is no Chapter 4 in the specified book.
For more information on LOADFIX, refer to page 41 of the "Microsoft MS-DOS Getting Started" manual; there is no reference to LOADFIX in the "Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference."
APPNOTES.TXT and Software Carousel
Section 1.19 ("Software Carousel") of the APPNOTES.TXT file supplied with MS-DOS 5.0 Upgrade should include the following information:
Version 5.01 of the Software Carousel works fine with MS-DOS 5. If you have version 5.00 of Software Carousel, you can download the file CAROUSEL.501 from SoftLogic Solutions BBS #603-644-5556. This file can be renamed to CAROUSEL.PGM and should replace the file you have by that name. If you have a version previous to 5.00, you can upgrade by calling SoftLogic Solutions's sales department at (800) 272-9900.
APPNOTES.TXT Section 1.4 and CodeView 3.14
Section 1.4 of the APPNOTES.TXT file (located on the last disk) states:
This problem has been fixed in CodeView version 3.14. Call the Microsoft Sales Information Center (MSIC) for information about obtaining this version; see your registration card for the phone number.
This statement is misleading because CodeView is available with various language products such as Microsoft C or Microsoft Basic Professional Development System.
When contacting MSIC, please ask for information about the upgrade to Microsoft C 6.0ax. If you already own Microsoft C 6.0a, the upgrade to 6.0ax is no charge. If you own Microsoft C 6.0, the upgrade to 6.0ax is $12.95.
Microsoft C 6.0ax is C 6.0a plus CodeView version 3.14 and the extended memory version of the compiler.
If Microsoft Basic Professional Development System version 7.0 or 7.1 is owned, the upgrade for CodeView can be obtained from Basic support by calling (425) 637-7096.
APPNOTES.TXT and Borland Turbo Debugger 386
Borland Turbo Debugger 386 version 2.5 does not work properly under MS-DOS version 5.0. Borland has a maintenance release, version 2.51, of Turbo Debugger 386. Turbo Debugger 2.51 works correctly only if the line DOS=HIGH is not included in the CONFIG.SYS file. Turbo Debugger 2.51 works correctly with HIMEM.SYS installed as long as MS-DOS is not loaded into the high memory area (HMA).
Turbo Debugger 386 does not work with any program or device driver that uses either the virtual or protected modes of the 80386 processor. This includes EMM386.EXE.
Section 1.21 of the Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade APPNOTES.TXT file is incorrect. It incorrectly states that Turbo Debugger 386 is configuration dependent. Turbo Debugger 386 is NOT configuration dependent.
MS-DOS 5 UPGRADE PACKAGE (BOX)
System Requirements Error on Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade Box
The Microsoft MS-DOS 5 Upgrade package incorrectly states (on the back of the box) under "System Requirements" that "256K of memory" is required. The correct memory requirement, as stated in the "Microsoft MS-DOS Getting Started" version 5.0 manual, is 512K bytes of memory. The minimum amount of "free" memory necessary to run the MS-DOS 5.0 installation procedure is 256K bytes.
The Borland, ATI, and DCA products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.
Additional query words: 5 5.0 5.00 5.0a 5.00a 3rdparty wonder card video problem docerr doc err documentation error comprehensive
Keywords: KB101042