DOSKEY Error Message: "Cannot Change BUFSIZE" (78722)


The information in this article applies to:

  • 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 Q78722

SUMMARY

If you try to change the buffer size of the MS-DOS 5.0 or later DOSKEY.COM utility and DOSKEY is currently active, the following error message is displayed:
Cannot change BUFSIZE.
If this error is displayed, you must run a new copy of DOSKEY to increase or decrease buffer size.

MORE INFORMATION

DOSKEY.COM, included with MS-DOS 5 or later Upgrade, allows MS-DOS commands to be recalled and edited. DOSKEY may also be used to create command macros (DOSKEY macros).

You can change the size of the buffer in which DOSKEY stores commands and DOSKEY macros with the /BUFSIZE= switch. This switch may only be used when starting the DOSKEY program. The default buffer size for the DOSKEY utility is 512 bytes, and the minimum setting for the buffer is 256 bytes.

To start the DOSKEY utility with a buffer size larger or smaller than the default, use the following command: 
   doskey /bufsize=<size>
(Where <size> is the desired DOSKEY buffer size in bytes.)

If a copy of the MS-DOS DOSKEY utility has already been installed, you must reinstall it to increase the buffer size with the /BUFSIZE= switch.

For example, to reinstall DOSKEY with a buffer size of 1024 bytes, type the following at the MS-DOS prompt:

doskey /reinstall /bufsize=1024

Note: When DOSKEY is reinstalled, all DOSKEY macros and the DOSKEY command history will be erased.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/10/2003
Keywords:KB78722
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.