F5 and F8 Keys Do Not Seem to Affect Startup Files (96332)

SUMMARY

On some fast computers, the "Starting MS-DOS..." message may flash on the screen too quickly to allow you to press the F5 or F8 function key.

If you have problems getting your computer to respond to the F5 and F8 function keys, make sure the following lines are not in your CONFIG.SYS file:

   switches=/f     Skips the 2-second delay after displaying the
                   "Starting MS-DOS ..." message during startup.

   switches=/n     Prevents you from using the F5 or F8 key to bypass
                   startup commands.

NOTE: If you are using MS-DOS 6.2 and DoubleSpace, make sure the above lines are not in your DBLSPACE.INI file. (DBLSPACE.INI is a hidden, system file located in the root directory of your host drive.)

MORE INFORMATION

You can use a small multiple-configuration menu to determine if the F5 and F8 function keys are working properly. Adding the following five lines to the top of your CONFIG.SYS file creates a startup menu that gives you one menu item. You can then either press ENTER to start your computer, press the F5 function key to bypass your configuration files, or press the F8 function key to step through the CONFIG.SYS file.

   [COMMON]
   [MENU]
   MENUITEM=ONE,Your standard startup...
   MENUDEFAULT=ONE,15
   [ONE]

These statements give you 15 seconds before your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files are processed. They do not affect the contents of your CONFIG.SYS file.

Type help multi-config at the MS-DOS command prompt to learn more about using multiple-configuration menus.

Type help switches to learn more about using the Switches command.