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How to Exit to DOS

Intended For
Windows 95 only
Users of Windows 3.x have become accustomed to the ability to shut down Windows completely, without having to restart the computer. You may have discovered that choosing "Restart the computer in MSDOS mode" from the Shutdown menu doesn't unload Windows completely from memory. Unfortunately, Microsoft, in an effort to hide DOS from users of Windows, has hidden this feature as well. Here's how you do it:


Solution #1:

  • If you delete the shut-down logos (LOGOS.SYS and LOGOW.SYS) from your Windows directory, you will be returned to the DOS prompt whenever you choose "shut down your computer" (more information).


Solution #2:

  • When you see the shutdown screen informing you that "it is now safe to turn off your system," type MODE CO80 and press Enter to be returned to the DOS prompt.

  • Note: These solutions will only work if you configure your computer to Boot directly into DOS and include the WIN command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

  • Note: you can configure certain drivers to be loaded when you exit Windows, but you must use the Exit Windows shortcut to do so. See Do I still need CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT? for more information.

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Written by: Annoyances.org
Last updated: Friday, August 10, 2001

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