How Windows Identifies Multiple Instances of MS-DOS Programs

Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q65679
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a

SUMMARY

If you run more than one instance of the same MS-DOS-based program at a time under Microsoft Windows version 3.0, Windows can identify the different instances with a number of dots. For example, the MS-DOS Prompt is normally labeled "COMMAND." under its icon when minimized. The second MS-DOS Prompt will be labeled "COMMAND.." under its icon. The third will be labeled as "COMMAND..." under its icon.

The information in this article applies to Windows 3.0 and 3.0a; it does not apply to later versions of Windows.

MORE INFORMATION

When you use ALT+TAB to switch between programs, the different number of dots will display at the top of the screen with the program name. This feature can be used to identify which of several different, otherwise identical programs is currently selected without actually entering the program instance.


KBCategory: kbother kbdisplay
KBSubcategory: win30
Additional reference words: 3.00 3.0 3.0a 3.00a win30


THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.