WD: Window Stays on Screen Using Shell to Start MS-DOS Program (138807)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 95 7.0a
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"

REFERENCES

For help with Command.com switches, start MS-DOS Prompt, type command /?, and press ENTER.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/17/2005
Keywords:kbprb KB138807
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