Increasing Memory for MS-DOS-Based Applications (99363)

SUMMARY

You can increase available conventional memory (largest executable program size) for your MS-DOS-based applications by modifying their default AUTOEXEC files and removing the lines that load DOSX and RDR, the MS-DOS extender and network redirector drivers. However, this is not recommended, as it disables support for many functions, including: EMS memory; DPMI services; named pipes; NetBIOS; LAN Manager APIs; and the DLC protocol. If you have an MS-DOS-based application that requires none of these services, and you need extra memory, do the following:

1. In the System32 subdirectory, make a copy of the AUTOEXEC.NT file.
2. In the new AUTOEXEC file, insert REM commands before the lines loading DOSX and RDR.
3. Start PIF Editor and create a PIF for your MS-DOS-based application.
4. From the main PIF Editor window, choose Windows NT.
5. In the Autoexec Filename field, enter the name of your new AUTOEXEC file.
6. Save the PIF and exit PIF Editor.

Note: If you want to start your program from a Windows NT command prompt, make sure you run it before any other MS-DOS-based programs. If you start other MS-DOS-based applications from the same command prompt prior to running the one that needs the extra conventional memory, the PIF you created will not be used.