Advanced Settings for Running DOS programs in MS-Windows

Setting File Handles
Mapping a Folder to a Drive
Increasing Size of the DOS Environment

Setting File Handles

The total number of files which DOS programs can open simultaneously is controlled by a system setting.

Occaisionally the operating system must be specifically told to allow more files to be open than its default setting allows. Relational database applications are the most likely programs to necessitate this requirement.

The problem is eliminated by specifying a higher number for the Files setting. This setting is kept in a file named either CONFIG.SYS or CONFIG.NT depending on the Windows version.

Windows 95/98

Type in or modify the line "Files=200" (without the quote marks) in the file C:\config.sys

Windows ME

Type in or modify the line "Files=200" (without the quote marks) in the file C:\windows\system32\config.nt
OR
Add or modify the line "PerVMFiles=200" (without the quote marks) in section [386enh] of SYSTEM.INI (maximum setting is 225)

Windows NT/2000/XP

Type in or modify the line "Files=200" (without the quote marks) in the file C:\winnt\system32\config.nt

Assigning (mapping) a drive letter to a networked drive

All versions of MS-Windows (95/98/98SE/ME/2000/XP)

1. On the Desktop, right-click on My Computer
2. On the short-cut menu, left-click on Map Network Drive
3. In the Drive list, select a drive letter to assign to the shared resource.
4. In the Path box, type the path to the resource you want to map (example: \\computername\foldername) OR click on the Browse button and navigate to the folder you want to map.

Increasing the Size of the DOS Environment

Windows 95/98

Place the line "shell=C:\COMMAND.COM C:\ /e:4086" in the file C:\config.sys

Windows ME

Place the line "shell=C:\COMMAND.COM C:\ /e:4086" in the file C:\windows\system32\config.nt

Windows NT/2000/XP

Place the line "shell=C:\COMMAND.COM C:\ /e:4086" in the file C:\winnt\system32\config.nt