Running an Application May Change MODE Setting of 43 or 50 (71630)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 4.0
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 4.01
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 5.0
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 5.0a
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.0
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.2
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.21
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.22
This article was previously published under Q71630

SUMMARY

You can set the number of lines on a display by using the following MS-DOS MODE command 
   mode con lines = <n>
where <n> is the number of lines on the display. Valid n values are 25, 43, and 50. If this command is used with n=43 or n=50, and another application is started, the number of lines may default back to 25 when the application is terminated.

NOTE: This problem does not occur with Microsoft MS-DOS version 6.0.

MORE INFORMATION

For example, this behavior occurs with the execution of MS-DOS Shell. When <n> is set to 43 and Shell is started, the number of lines on the screen changes to 25 within Shell. After Shell is ended and control is given back to MS-DOS, the number of display lines remains at 25 instead of returning to 43, which was set by the MODE command.

This behavior may occur with certain applications because the application does not save the video state prior to starting the application. Thus, when the application is terminated, the MS-DOS line display state used may be the same as in the application or reset back to the default line number value of 25.

A simple batch file with the following command lines can correct this occurrence (where <x> is the MODE line setting, such as 43 or 50): 
   test.bat <x>

   <executable program>
   mode con lines = %1
The "%1" parameter will receive the <x> value of TEST.BAT.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/12/2003
Keywords:KB71630
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