DOSSHELL.VID File Needed for Graphics Mode (74588)


The information in this article applies to:
    • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 5.0
    • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 5.0a
This article was previously published under Q74588

SUMMARY

The DOSSHELL.VID file gives Microsoft MS-DOS version 5.0 Shell the ability to display in graphics mode. Graphics mode is supported by most monitors, including (but not limited to) EGA and VGA displays in color and on CGA displays in black and white.

Most CGA displays require the DOSSHELL.VID file to prevent "snow" from appearing on the screen, regardless of the Shell mode.

The DOSSHELL.VID file is not required to run Shell in text mode. To run Shell in text mode, use the /T switch. For example: 
dosshell /t

MORE INFORMATION

On the MS-DOS 5.0 Upgrade disks are several files with the file extension of .vi_ one of which can be expanded by doing the following:

    • Insert the last disk from the MS-DOS 5 Upgrade into drive A, and copy EXPAND.EXE into the DOS directory on the hard drive by typing the following:

    copy a: expand.exe c:\dos


    • Locate the appropriate file on the MS-DOS 5 Upgrade disks. For example, if the display is EGA, locate the file called EGA.VI_. The file locations are as follows: 
       Disk Size    Video Driver File Location
   ---------    --------------------------

   5.25-inch    Disk 3
   3.5-inch     Disk 2

    • Type one of the following (the most appropriate for your display) with the appropriate disk in drive A:

    expand a:cga.vi_ c:\dos\dosshell.vid
    expand a:ega.vi_ c:\dos\dosshell.vid
    expand a:vga.vi_ c:\dos\dosshell.vid
    expand a:herc.vi_ c:\dos\dosshell.vid

Modification Type: Major Last Reviewed: 9/30/2003
Keywords: KB74588
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.