Quitting Windows While an MS-DOS-Based Application is Running

Last reviewed: November 30, 1994
Article ID: Q79751
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11

SUMMARY

There are two instances in which you can close a running or minimized MS-DOS-based application (either by choosing Close from the Control menu or by quitting Windows):

  • The application's program information file (PIF) has the Allow Close When Active option selected in the PIF's advanced settings.

    -or-

  • The application was started with SHIFT+ENTER or a double-click while the SHIFT key was held down.

MORE INFORMATION

The Allow Close When Active option in the advanced section of the application's PIF allows the application to be closed when it is still running. This setting is not recommended for applications that need to run in the background because the application does not have an opportunity to save work when it is shut down.

NOTE: The Allow Close When Active option in the advanced section of the PIF Editor is only available in 386 enhanced mode.

When you start an application with either SHIFT+ENTER or SHIFT+ double-click, it does not actually perform any functions until you open it by switching to it (provided background operation has not been enabled). Before you switch to the application, you can still close it by choosing Close from the Control menu or by quitting Windows.


KBCategory: kbusage
KBSubcategory: win31
Additional reference words: 3.10 win31 exit 3.11


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Last reviewed: November 30, 1994
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