How to get Windows 95 and 98 to boot to MS-DOS

Updated: 12/31/2020 by Computer Hope
MS-DOS logo

In Windows 95 and Windows 98, boot to MS-DOS instead of Windows if you need to run MS-DOS for older programs and games.

Note

Remember that when dealing with any system files, be cautious of what is changed. If the files are changed inappropriately, the system may not boot.

Click Start, Shutdown, and Shutdown the computer in MS-DOS mode.

  1. Type cd\ to get to the C:\> prompt.
  2. Type attrib msdos.sys -r -a -s -h and press Enter.
  3. Type edit msdos.sys and press Enter.
  4. Locate the line BOOTGUI=1 and change the line to BOOTGUI=0 and save the file.
  5. Reboot your computer.
Tip

These steps do not work for any version of Windows after Windows 98. To boot to a command prompt, consider using a bootable diskette.