How to Boot from the Hard Disk on an IBM PS/1 (96831)



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 Q96831

SYMPTOMS

After you install MS-DOS, you receive one of the following error messages:


    Invalid COMMAND.COM


    Cannot load COMMAND, System halted


    Incorrect DOS version

CAUSE

By default, the IBM PS/1 uses system files located on a read-only memory (ROM) chip. The setup program for MS-DOS installs MS-DOS files on either a floppy disk or a hard disk. Therefore, before installing MS-DOS, you must change your default startup procedure so that it uses the system files on the Setup disk instead of those on the ROM chip.

WORKAROUND

Use the following steps to reinstall MS-DOS:
    Press and hold down both mouse buttons.
    Start your PS/1. The computer displays the System menu.
    From the System menu, choose the Your Software icon. A group of folders appears.
    Choose the DOS folder. A list of files in your DOS folder appears.
    Double-click the CUSTOMIZ file. The How System Starts screen appears.
    Use the DOWN ARROW key to select the "Try Diskette First, then Try Fixed Disk" option.
    Press the SPACEBAR to choose the option.
    Use the DOWN ARROW key to select the Read CONFIG.SYS option.
    Use the RIGHT ARROW key to select the From Disk option.
    Press the SPACEBAR to choose the option.
    Use the DOWN ARROW key to select the Read AUTOEXEC.BAT option.
    Use the RIGHT ARROW key to select the From Disk option.
    Press the SPACEBAR to choose the option.
    Press ENTER to save the system startup changes.
    Restart your computer by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL, and then run the Setup program for MS-DOS again.
NOTE: In some cases, the PS/1 may revert back to default boot settings if the computer is restarted while holding down both mouse buttons.

If this procedure does not work, call IBM Product Support Services for assistance.

MORE INFORMATION

The IBM product included here is manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

Modification Type: Major Last Reviewed: 5/12/2003
Keywords: KB96831