MDGx MAX Speed WinDOwS
Windows 95/98/ME
Complete MSDOS.SYS Reference
Take Control of Your OS at DOS Level
WinDOwS
Take control of your Windows 95/98/ME machine at DOS level!
After all Windows 95/98/ME is a MIXED (read "partially enabled") 32-bit AND 16-bit [for backward compatibility with MS-DOS (DOS16 and DOS32) and older 16-bit Windows/WfWG 3.xx (Win16) programs] Graphical User Interface (GUI) protected mode virtual environment [... sorry, Operating System 😎], which still depends on the good ol' MS-DOS 7.xx TSR modules (IO.SYS + COMMAND.COM), MS-DOS mode memory manager (HIMEM.SYS) and compatibility (legacy) drivers (IFSHLP.SYS) to load on top of the plain DOS command line based layer!
The good news is Microsoft released Windows XP (eXPerience)/2003/Vista/2008/7/8/8.1/2012/10/2016/2019/2022/11/2025, true 32-bit/64-bit multitasking, multithreading and Symmetrical MultiProcessing (SMP) graphical OSes, which aim to do away once for all with the "ancient" 16-bit MS-DOS command line.
NOTE:
Unfortunately Microsoft removed 16-bit application support from all Windows 64-bit (x64) OSes. 😞
And the bad news is these advanced/modern OSes do not fully support native/real/true/pure MS-DOS mode natively (by themselves, without adequate hardware + software virtualization support), necessary for some old DOS based programs/games that require exclusive access to memory/video/audio/network hardware resources, and most of whom are still memory "hungry", especially the ones that canNOT run from a DOS session/box/console/window inside Windows.
Therefore you need to master your MSDOS.SYS parameters, in order to BOOT into your system the way YOU want!
Solutions [free(ware)]:
   DOSBox
   ScummVM
   VDMSound
   95/98/ME SETUP + MEMORY MANAGERS
   DOS Memory Managers
   WINDOWS DOS BOX TIPS
   PLAY DOS GAMES WITH SOUND BLASTER LIVE!
   UMBPCI.SYS
   Virtualization Software
   DOS Emulators
Intro
All these MSDOS.SYS tips + guidelines (and much more) are also available as part of Windows 95/98/NT4/2000/ME/XP/2003 + DOS 7.xx/8.00 ©Tricks + Secrets Files (W95-11D.EXE), FREEware.
If you'd like to see how my MSDOS.SYS file looks like, and to view my DOS conventional + upper memory optimized CONFIG.SYS + AUTOEXEC.BAT startup files, head on to my MS-DOS 7.xx MEMory Specs Page.
NOTE: To learn about the "official" MSDOS.SYS configuration settings [the documented ones anyway 😎], see the Contents of Windows MSDOS.SYS File MSKB article.
List of MSDOS.SYS articles @ MSKB.
How To Create a Windows 95 DOS-Boot Menu System.
A MUST: Microsoft REMOVED COMPLETELY the access to native/real/true/pure MS-DOS mode from Windows Millennium Edition (ME) [a.k.a. MS-DOS 8.00], but you CAN get it back by applying one of these Unofficial DOS Patches, which modify COMMAND.COM + IO.SYS (from %windir%\COMMAND\EBD) + REGENV32.EXE (from %windir%\SYSTEM), in order to be able to boot to native MS-DOS and use DOS mode startup files (AUTOEXEC.BAT + CONFIG.SYS), Windows 95/98 style.
In case you're not comfortable modifying Windows system files, see this guide.
    Contents:
Back 2 Contents
MSDOS.SYS Overview
MSDOS.SYS [MicroSoft DOS SYStem] is a vital (the OS is unable to load without it or without WINBOOT.INI, its replacement) Windows 95/98/ME text/ASCII system file, loads Windows 9x/ME OS boot options and paths settings upon bootup, is located in the root directory/folder of the boot drive/partition (default is C:\), has by default (but not necessary for proper operation) Hidden (H), Read-only (R) + System (S) file attributes, and can be edited with Notepad in Windows or EDIT.COM in DOS.
    IMPORTANT:
During the OS bootup sequence MSDOS.SYS is processed after IO.SYS.
More info @ MSKB.
MSDOS.SYS (or at least WINBOOT.INI) must exist in the root directory/folder of the boot drive/partition [usually C:\ = replace with your actual Windows 9x/ME drive/partition letter if different on your computer], and must contain at least these lines [WINDOWS = replace with your actual Windows 9x/ME main directory/folder name if different on your computer] for proper OS bootup:
    [Paths]
    WinDir=C:\WINDOWS
    WinBootDir=C:\WINDOWS
    HostWinBootDrv=C
More info @ MSKB.
If MSDOS.SYS (and WINBOOT.INI) is (are) absent, the OS bootup sequence will stop at the native/real/true/pure MS-DOS mode C:\ prompt, and will display an error message.
More info @ MSKB.
See "WINBOOT.INI", also in MYTIPS95.TXT [part of W95-11D.EXE], for complete details.
All earlier MS-DOS editions [up to 6.22] use a binary MSDOS.SYS file, which used to contain the DOS Kernel (core) code.
Windows NT based (NTx) OSes [NT, 2000, XP + 2003] use the binary NTLDR file instead, coupled with BOOT.INI, a plain text/ASCII configuration file, and which can be edited by any text/ASCII file editor (like Notepad), or by using BOOTCFG.EXE command line tool.
Windows Vista, 2008, 7, 8 + 2012 [newer NT based (NTx) OSes] use the binary Boot Loader (WINLOAD.EXE) + Windows Boot Manager (BOOTMGR) files, coupled with the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) configuration database.
Back 2 Contents
MSDOS.SYS Editing
You can edit/view/print MSDOS.SYS using Notepad.exe in Windows (Windows default ASCII/text editor = usually C:\WINDOWS\NOTEPAD.EXE) or EDIT.COM in DOS [MS-DOS default ASCII/text editor = usually C:\DOS\EDIT.COM (MS-DOS 6.xx) or C:\MSDOS\EDIT.COM (MS-DOS 6.xx) or C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\EDIT.COM (Win95/98/ME)].
Before editing you MUST strip MSDOS.SYS of its default attributes [Hidden (H), Read-only (R) and System (S)], to be able to modify it.
After making your desired modifications to MSDOS.SYS, save it, exit the text editor, and then reboot your machine so the changes can take effect.
Optional: restore MSDOS.SYS attributes back to the original: Hidden, Read-only, System.
All these operations can be easily achieved using a plain DOS batch file, I called SYS95.BAT [part of W95-11D.EXE].
NOTE: Alternatively you can use one of these freeware MSDOS.SYS Editors to tweak ALL MSDOS.SYS parameters (including the UNDOCUMENTED ones) from a single, easy to use interface.
IMPORTANT: If a WINBOOT.INI file is also present in the root directory/folder of the boot drive/partition (usually C:\), MSDOS.SYS is automatically bypassed by the Win9x/ME bootup routine!
See "WINBOOT.INI", also in MYTIPS95.TXT (part of W95-11D.EXE), for complete details.
WINBOOT.INI MUST contain the SAME EXACT lines as MSDOS.SYS so Windows can boot properly. In such case MSDOS.SYS can be moved/deleted altogether, but BEWARE of certain programs that may rely on its presence for proper operation.
Therefore if doing this manually, you need to edit MSDOS.SYS first, make your desired changes, and only after that you need to copy it as WINBOOT.INI (overwriting the original one), to make sure BOTH their contents remain IDENTICAL.
SYS95.BAT routine detects the WINBOOT.INI presence, and performs all these necessary tasks automatically, to keep them in "sync" at all times.
WINBOOT.INI is NOT renamed by Win9x/ME if dual-booting to an older MS-DOS version, so it can be also edited from MS-DOS 6.xx, in which case it is copied as MSDOS.W40 (which is actually MSDOS.SYS renamed by the Win9x/ME dual-boot routine).
SYS95.BAT contains all necessary variables to edit MSDOS.W40 as well in MS-DOS 6.xx mode (using EDIT.COM), to avoid any possible headaches.
Some (still) prefer to dual-boot: keep the ol' MS-DOS version 6.xx (+ Windows/WfWG 3.1x) and have Win9x/ME installed in a separate directory. This way you have the choice to boot with your Win9x/ME configuration, or with your old version of MS-DOS, and eventually use Windows/WfWG 3.1x (only if you kept them!).
If you dual-boot [see "DUAL BOOT" in MYTIPS95.TXT (part of W95-11D.EXE) for details] and choose to boot with your ol' MS-DOS version 6.xx, MSDOS.SYS is renamed to MSDOS.W40.
If also using MS-DOS 6.xx, make sure the DOS directory (default C:\MSDOS or C:\DOS) is mentioned in your path, on the PATH line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS, and that EDIT.COM resides in your DOS directory or in a directory in your path.
Below are listed SYS95.BAT command lines as shown in an EDIT.COM window:
 Click/Touch inside block of text below ➜ right-click ➜ Copy [Ctrl+C]: 
File   Edit   Search   View   Options   Help
---------------------------------------------
 SYS95.BAT 
---------------------------------------------

Editor !!top!!: Iptv M3u

The story of the IPTV M3U Editor is one of technical necessity evolving into a sophisticated subculture of digital curation. Originally designed for simple audio playlists in the mid-1990s, the M3U format became the "spine" of modern internet streaming. The Evolution of the "Big List"

In the early days of IPTV, users were often handed massive M3U files—sometimes exceeding 120MB and containing over 250,000 individual streams. Navigating these was nearly impossible for standard players, leading to "choking" and endless buffering. This bottleneck gave birth to the dedicated M3U Editor—a tool meant to slice, dice, and organize these gargantuan data sets into something human-readable. How it Works: Curation vs. Streaming

A common misconception is that these editors host content. Instead, they act as management hubs Centralized Control

: Editors allow you to combine multiple provider playlists into a single, clean interface. Metadata Mastery

: Users can fix broken channel logos, rename cryptic stream titles, and create custom "Groups" (e.g., "Favorite Sports" or "Kids' Movies"). EPG Mapping : Sophisticated editors like IPTV Editor

map Electronic Program Guides (EPG), ensuring you actually know what’s playing on a channel for the next seven days. Popular Tools & Platforms

Depending on your technical comfort, different tools dominate the scene: IPTV Editor

: A popular, paid web-based tool known for ease of use and excellent EPG integration.

: A high-power tool often used by advanced users for granular EPG control, though it requires more manual setup (like hosting your own XML files). m3u-editor / Dispatcharr

: A free, locally-run option favored by the privacy-conscious who don't want to share their credentials with cloud services.

: A community-driven fork of xTeVe used to "proxy" streams, allowing users to cycle through different stream links for a more stable connection. The Impact on Streaming Culture The M3U Editor turned passive viewers into digital librarians

The Ultimate Guide to IPTV M3U Editors: Mastering Your Streaming Experience

An IPTV M3U editor is a specialized tool used to manage and customize M3U playlists, which are plain-text files that organize streaming URLs for live TV, movies, and on-demand content. These editors allow you to take control of massive channel lists—often provided by IPTV services—by filtering out unwanted content, fixing broken links, and reordering channels for a smoother viewing experience. Why You Need an IPTV M3U Editor

Most IPTV subscriptions come with thousands of channels, many of which may not be relevant to your interests or region. Without an editor, navigating these lists can be slow and frustrating. Key benefits include: Iptv M3u Editor

Customization: Group channels into logical categories like "Sports," "News," or "Favorites".

Performance Optimization: Trimming large playlists can reduce loading times and prevent buffering on devices with limited RAM, such as smart TV boxes.

Link Validation: Modern editors include "checkers" to verify if streaming URLs are still active, helping you remove "dead" channels before they interrupt your viewing.

Consolidation: Some tools allow you to merge multiple playlists from different providers into one master list. Essential Features to Look For

When selecting an editor, prioritize these features to ensure maximum flexibility:

Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easily reorder channels and groups visually rather than manually editing text.

Batch Editing: The ability to rename or change logos for multiple channels at once.

EPG Integration: Tools like IPTVeditor allow you to edit Electronic Program Guide (EPG) links so your player displays accurate schedule information.

Cross-Platform Support: Look for web-based editors or apps compatible with your specific device, whether it's Windows, Android, or iOS. Top IPTV M3U Editors for 2026

Depending on your technical skill and platform, here are some of the most reliable options: Iptv Playlist M3u - wiki.rschooltoday.com

IPTV M3U Editor: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking for a way to manage and customize your IPTV playlists? Look no further than an IPTV M3U Editor. In this article, we'll explore what an IPTV M3U Editor is, its features, and how to use it to enhance your IPTV experience.

What is an IPTV M3U Editor?

An IPTV M3U Editor is a software tool that allows you to create, edit, and manage M3U playlists, which are used to stream live TV channels and on-demand content over the internet. M3U (Extended M3U) is a file format used to store multimedia playlists, and an IPTV M3U Editor makes it easy to customize and organize your playlists.

Key Features of an IPTV M3U Editor

A typical IPTV M3U Editor offers a range of features, including:

  1. Playlist creation and editing: Create new playlists or edit existing ones by adding or removing channels, changing channel names and URLs, and rearranging channel order.
  2. Channel management: Add, remove, or modify channels, including their names, descriptions, and logos.
  3. EPG (Electronic Program Guide) support: Import and export EPG data to provide program information for your channels.
  4. Category and group management: Organize channels into categories and groups for easy navigation.
  5. Search and filter: Quickly find specific channels or content using search and filter functions.
  6. Import and export: Import M3U files from other sources and export your playlists to use on different devices or platforms.

Benefits of Using an IPTV M3U Editor

Using an IPTV M3U Editor offers several benefits, including:

  1. Customization: Personalize your IPTV experience by creating playlists that suit your viewing habits.
  2. Organization: Keep your channels organized and easily accessible.
  3. Flexibility: Easily add or remove channels, and modify channel information as needed.
  4. Compatibility: Use your playlists on different devices and platforms, such as smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets.

How to Use an IPTV M3U Editor

Using an IPTV M3U Editor is relatively straightforward. Here are the general steps:

  1. Download and install: Choose an IPTV M3U Editor that suits your needs and install it on your device.
  2. Create a new playlist: Launch the editor and create a new playlist or open an existing one.
  3. Add channels: Enter channel information, such as name, URL, and logo, and add them to your playlist.
  4. Organize channels: Arrange channels into categories and groups, and add EPG data if available.
  5. Save and export: Save your playlist and export it to use on different devices or platforms.

Popular IPTV M3U Editors

Some popular IPTV M3U Editors include:

  1. Xtream Codes: A comprehensive IPTV M3U Editor with a user-friendly interface.
  2. EasyUI: A simple and intuitive IPTV M3U Editor with advanced features.
  3. M3U Editor: A basic yet effective IPTV M3U Editor for creating and editing playlists.

Conclusion

An IPTV M3U Editor is a powerful tool for managing and customizing your IPTV playlists. With its features, benefits, and ease of use, it's an essential tool for anyone looking to enhance their IPTV experience. By choosing the right IPTV M3U Editor and following the steps outlined above, you'll be able to create and manage your playlists with ease.

In the bustling digital workshop of Leo, a developer with a knack for order, lived a tangled mess of data known as the Ultimate Playlist

. With over 250,000 streams, it was a chaotic sprawl of sports, news, and movies that made his IPTV player "choke" every time it tried to load. The story of the IPTV M3U Editor is

One rainy Tuesday, Leo decided to build a tool to tame the beast: the IPTV M3U Editor The Birth of the Editor Leo started with a simple foundation. Using and a bit of , he created a workspace that could parse the massive

files. He knew that for his tool to be useful, it needed to do more than just read text; it had to understand it. He added essential features: Cleaning the Clutter duplicate detection tool to find and remove identical links with one click. Sorting the Chaos

: Drag-and-drop handles allowed him to move his favorite sports channels to the very top for faster access The Vitality Test

: A "Link Checker" that marked live streams in green and dead ones in red, ensuring he never clicked on a broken link again. The Masterpiece in Action

As the sun began to set, Leo opened his creation. He imported his massive provider list via a remote URL . In seconds, he used Bulk Editing

to rename thousands of channels and group them into neat categories like "UK Entertainment" and "Action Movies". He even integrated EPG (Electronic Program Guide) management

so he could see what was playing in real-time. With a final click, he exported his curated, lean playlist. The Result

2. Background and Related Work

  • M3U and extended M3U (EXTM3U, #EXTINF, #EXTGRP, #EXTVLCOPT).
  • EPG formats (XMLTV, JSON EPG), channel identifiers, streaming protocols (HLS, MPEG-TS, RTMP).
  • Existing editors and playlist managers (desktop apps, web apps, text editors, script tools).

6.3 EPG Integration

  • Import XMLTV; match via tvg-id or fuzzy name match; attach program schedules; allow time-shift adjustments and timezone normalization.

The Digital Curator: The Unassuming Power of an IPTV M3U Editor

In the modern era of digital content, the viewer is no longer a passive consumer but an active curator. Nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), where the traditional grid of cable television has given way to the fluid, customizable playlist. At the heart of this customization lies a seemingly simple, yet remarkably powerful tool: the IPTV M3U editor. More than just a text modifier, the M3U editor is an essential instrument of digital autonomy, transforming a chaotic stream of data into a personalized, efficient, and liberating viewing experience.

To understand the editor’s importance, one must first understand the M3U file itself. Essentially a text file containing URLs and metadata pointing to video streams, a raw M3U playlist is a firehose of content. A typical subscription might deliver thousands of channels, often in a foreign language, riddled with dead links, or organized without any logical structure. Without an editor, this list is a digital wasteland—a needle of desired content hidden in a haystack of digital debris. The M3U editor acts as a master sorter, allowing the user to delete dead channels, remove unwanted foreign stations, and group surviving channels into logical categories like “News,” “Sports,” or “Documentaries.” This act of pruning is not merely about aesthetics; it is about reclaiming time and cognitive energy from the tyranny of endless, irrelevant choice.

Beyond basic organization, the advanced capabilities of an M3U editor elevate it from a utility to a strategic tool. High-quality editors offer features like EPG (Electronic Program Guide) management, which aligns channel streams with “what’s on now” data, replicating the familiar guide experience of cable TV. More critically, they enable stream validation, automatically scanning hundreds or thousands of URLs to verify which links are active and which are dead. For the user, this means the difference between a seamless Super Bowl Sunday and the frustration of endless buffering symbols. Furthermore, the ability to export cleaned playlists to multiple formats (M3U, M3U8, or even direct links for third-party apps) ensures compatibility across a fragmented ecosystem of smart TVs, tablets, and dedicated streaming boxes. The editor, in this sense, acts as a universal translator and a quality control inspector.

Yet, the significance of the M3U editor transcends mere technical convenience; it represents a philosophical shift towards user sovereignty. In the era of proprietary streaming services—Netflix, Hulu, Disney+—the user is locked into a walled garden, forced to accept the interface and library offered by a corporation. IPTV, often associated with long-tail and international content, offers an alternative, but its raw form is chaotic. The M3U editor is the key that unlocks that chaos, granting the user the power to build their own universe of content. This act of creation fosters a deeper connection to media; a playlist you have meticulously edited yourself feels more valuable than one simply provided to you. It empowers the user to filter out propaganda, prioritize local news, or create a dedicated block of classic cinema—actions that algorithm-driven platforms rarely permit with such precision.

However, wielding this power requires a measure of digital literacy and an awareness of the legal gray areas often associated with IPTV. While the M3U format itself is neutral, it is frequently used to access unlicensed streams. Therefore, a responsible user of an M3U editor must also act as an ethical curator, understanding the source of their content. The tool itself is not inherently good or bad, but its application carries weight. A well-edited, legal playlist of free-to-air international broadcasts is a marvel of digital organization; a poorly managed list of stolen premium channels is a legal liability. The editor forces the user to confront this distinction, making them an active participant in the ethics of their media consumption.

In conclusion, the IPTV M3U editor is far more than a simple code manipulator. It is the digital curator’s brush, the architect’s blueprint, and the librarian’s cataloging system all in one. By transforming a raw, overwhelming stream of data into a clean, personalized, and functional guide, it restores agency to the viewer. In a media landscape characterized by algorithmic control and subscription fatigue, the ability to manually edit an M3U file is a small but profound act of digital independence. It reminds us that the ultimate power of television lies not with the broadcaster, but with the viewer who decides what to watch—and, just as importantly, what to delete. Playlist creation and editing : Create new playlists


1. M3U4U (Web-Based)

Best for: Beginners and cross-platform users. M3U4U is arguably the most popular web-based editor. You upload your M3U URL or file, and it presents a visual interface similar to a TV guide.

  • Pros: No software to install; creates a custom link you can put directly into your TV box; includes a built-in EPG mapper.
  • Cons: Requires an internet connection to edit; free tier has limits on the number of connections.
F1=Help ================ | Line:1 Col:1
If running SYS95 from native/real/true/pure MS-DOS, MSDOS.SYS will be edited in EDIT.COM, and if running SYS95 from a Windows DOS box/session, MSDOS.SYS will be edited in Notepad.exe. Both EDIT.COM and Notepad.exe are installed by the Win9x/ME Setup routine in a folder listed in the path statement (default install directories): EDIT.COM resides in C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND and Notepad.exe is found in C:\WINDOWS [%windir%]. Therefore there is no need to specify their paths in SYS95.BAT.
Run SYS95.BAT from a PIF file (Windows MS-DOS Shortcut). To create a Win9x/ME Desktop Shortcut:
  1. Right-click on your Desktop.
  2. Select New.
  3. Select Shortcut.
  4. Browse for SYS95.BAT to the folder where it resides.
  5. (Double-)click on SYS95.BAT.
  6. Click on Next.
  7. Select a name for your Shortcut (example): "Edit MSDOS.SYS" (no quotes).
  8. Click on Next.
  9. Choose an icon. PIFMGR.DLL icons are displayed by default for all MS-DOS shortcuts, but you can change its icon later, after the shortcut is created on your Desktop (see next paragraph).
  10. Click Finish.
To change your MS-DOS Shortcut icon:
  1. Right-click on your MS-DOS Shortcut.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Click the Program tab.
  4. Click Change Icon.
  5. Browse through your local drives/folders for your favorite .DLL, .ICO, .ICL or .EXE files containing Windows icons.
  6. Select an icon.
  7. Click OK when you're done.
  8. Click OK/Apply again to exit and save changes.
Now you'll see a new shortcut on your Desktop (called SYS95.BAT if you kept its original name):
  1. Right-click on it.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Click on the Program tab.
  4. Check the "Close on exit" box.
  5. Click the Misc tab.
  6. Uncheck the "Warn if still active" box.
  7. Click OK/Apply to save changes.
That's it.
From now on, you'll be able to view/edit MSDOS.SYS contents using your favorite text editor (all Windows 9x/ME releases install both MS-DOS EDIT.COM and Windows Notepad). Change/add MSDOS.SYS entries to customize your system, then save your changes and close the editor when you're done.
You MUST reboot your machine for the new settings to take effect, ONLY IF you have modified MSDOS.SYS.
No matter which text editor you are using (Notepad is shown below), take a look at my MSDOS.SYS file (included ONLY as example). You might not see all these entries on your machine, depending on your Windows 95/98/ME startup configuration:
¤ MSDOS.SYS - Notepad                _¬X
  File     Edit     Search     Help
[Paths]
WinDir=C:\WINDOWS
WinBootDir=C:\WINDOWS
HostWinBootDrv=C

[Options]
AutoScan=0
BootGUI=0
BootKeys=1
BootMenu=1
BootMenuDefault=1
BootMenuDelay=5
BootMulti=1
BootWin=1
DblSpace=0
DisableLog=1
DoubleBuffer=0
DrvSpace=0
LoadTop=0
Logo=1
Network=1
SystemReg=0
WinVer=4.10.2222

;The following lines are required for compatibility with other programs. 
;Do not remove them (MSDOS.SYS needs to be >1024 bytes).
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxa
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxb
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxc
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxd
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxe
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxf
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxg
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxh
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxi
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxj
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxk
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxl
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxm
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxn
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxo
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxp
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxq
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxr
;xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxs
 
Now you're ready to add/modify the MSDOS.SYS entries to have Windows boot the way YOU want...
Back 2 Contents
MSDOS.SYS Complete Reference Table
ALL MSDOS.SYS parameters, even those UNDOCUMENTED, what they do, and how to tweak them to MAXIMIZE your Windows 95/98/ME machine performance, are listed in this table.
MSDOS.SYS consists of 2 sections and supports all following entries:
SectionEntry [00]DescriptionDefault ValueNondefault Value
[Paths] [01]WinDir=Windows 9x/ME Install DirectoryC:\WINDOWS?:\????????.???
[Paths]WinBootDir=Windows 9x/ME Boot DirectoryC:\WINDOWS?:\????????.???
[Paths]HostWinBootDrv=Windows 9x/ME Boot Drive [02]C?
[Paths]UninstallDir= [03]Windows 9x/ME Uninstall DirectoryC:\?:\????????.???
[Options]AutoScan= [04]Allow Win95 B/C OSR 2.x, 98/98 SE or ME to automatically ScanDisk the boot drive after improper shutdown1
Prompt user for scanning (scan begins if NO input for 60 seconds)
0
NO scanning allowed
2
Allow automatic scanning (NO prompt)
[Options]BootConfig=Allow processing of alternative boot setup [05]N/A
Current boot setup processed
MYCONFIG
Alternate boot setup: CONFIG.SYS must include this same string as a MENUITEM (example): [MYCONFIG]
[Options]BootDelay=Initial startup delay in seconds: from 0 up to 99 [06]2 [Win95/OSR2]
0 [Win98/ME]
0 - 99
[Options]BootFailSafe=Invalid parameter! Use BootSafe= instead!InvalidInvalid
[Options]BootGUI=Automatic Windows 9x/ME GUI startup1
Enabled:
Start Windows 9x/ME GUI
0
Disabled:
Start MS-DOS 7.xx/8.00 Command Prompt
[Options]BootKeys=Startup keys access: F4, F5, F6, F8, Ctrl and Shift1
Enabled
0
Disabled
[Options]BootMenu=Startup Menu display0
Disabled:
Press F8 to display
1
Enabled:
Show Startup Menu [07]
[Options]BootMenuDefault=Indicated menu option is highlighted [08]1
Normal Win95/98/ME OS highlighted
2 - 8
Any other Bootup Menu option
[Options]BootMenuDelay=Delay in seconds (from 0 up to 99) before running highlighted menu item (only if BootMenu=1)300 - 99
[Options]BootMulti=Startup key F4 access: old OS bootup choice access [09]1
Enabled:
F4 access ON
0
Disabled:
F4 access OFF [06]
[Options]BootSafe=Force Safe Mode startup0
Disabled
1
Enabled
[Options]BootWarn=Display Safe Mode startup warning and menu1
Enabled
0
Disabled
[Options]BootWin=Windows 9x/ME selected as operating system [09]1
Enabled: Windows 95/98/ME OS selected
0
Disabled:
Previous OS (MS-DOS 6.xx) selected
[Options]DblSpace=Load DBLSPACE.BIN module (if present)1
Enabled:
DoubleSpace ON
0
Disabled:
DoubleSpace OFF
[Options]DisableLog=Create BOOTLOG.TXT in C:\ root upon bootup [10]0
Enabled:
Create BOOTLOG.TXT
1
Disabled:
Do NOT create BOOTLOG.TXT
[Options]DoubleBuffer=SCSI, older ESDI/IDE/ATA and large FAT32 drives > 8 GB may need Double-Buffering [11]0
Disabled:
DoubleBuffer OFF
1
Enabled:
DoubleBuffer ON only if necessary
2
Enabled:
DoubleBuffer always ON
[Options]DrvSpace=Load DRVSPACE.BIN module (if present)1
Enabled:
DriveSpace ON
0
Disabled:
DriveSpace OFF
[Options]LoadTop= [12]Load COMMAND.COM/DRVSPACE.BIN into the High Memory Area (HMA) at the top of the Conventional Memory Area (CMA)1
Enabled:
Load into HMA
0
Disabled:
Load into CMA
[Options]Logo=Display (animated) Logo while Windows 9x/ME OS boots [13]1
Enabled:
Display Logo
0
Disabled:
Do NOT display Logo
[Options]Network=Enable Networking and/or TCP/IP "Safe Mode" option [14]1
Enabled
0
Disabled
[Options]SystemReg=Scan Registry files upon every Windows startup [10]1
Enabled:
Scan Registry
0
Disabled:
Do NOT scan Registry
[Options]WinVer=Display Windows ME (4.90.3000), 98 SE (4.10.2222) or 98 (4.10.1998) build [05]4.90.3000 [Windows ME]
4.10.2222 [Windows 98 SE]
4.10.1998 [Windows 98]
N/A
  LEGEND:
All lines starting with a semicolon (;) are comments/REMarks, and are not processed by the OS routine.
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Windows 95 - 98 Startup Menu + Bootup Keys
Startup Menu key "combos" | Hidden features, oddities + BUGs
FYI: Microsoft REMOVED the display of the Startup Menu from Windows ME, but you can still access most of these options by hitting the "combo" keys (listed below) at bootup!
And if you were wondering how the Windows 95/98 Startup Menu looks like, here is a screen shot of the bootup display, shown (every time you boot) ONLY IF you enable the "BootMenu=1" entry under the [Options] section of your MSDOS.SYS, or (this one time ONLY) if you press F8 at the beginning of the boot sequence, right after your computer's BIOS POST (Power On Self Test) screen:
    
 
 
 
    Microsoft Windows 95 (98) Startup Menu        


1. Normal [1]
  
2. Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT) 
3. Safe mode 
4. Safe mode with network support [2]
5. Step-by-step confirmation 
6. Command prompt only [3]
7. Safe mode command prompt only 
8. Previous version of MS-DOS 
[4]
     Enter a choice: 99(0) [5]


 F5=Safe mode Shift+F5=Command prompt Shift+F8=Step-by-step confirmation[N]
 
    
   UHD   
 
 
  LEGEND:
  Windows 95 (98) Startup Menu key "combos" and what they do [also available in Windows ME]:
  Hidden features, oddities + BUGs I discovered:
ONLY IF "BootGUI=0" under the MSDOS.SYS [Options] section, you will notice these changes at bootup:
    NOTES:
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