DR DOS 6.0 EMM386.SYS and Windows

 Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q82201
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a

SUMMARY

According to the DR DOS version 6.0 user's guide, "[the DR DOS version of] EMM386.SYS works with Windows 3.0 in real, standard, and enhanced modes." To run Windows in standard mode, the switch /WINSTD should be added to the device line for EMM386.SYS line in the CONFIG.SYS file.

MORE INFORMATION

Digital Research recommends using the DR DOS EMM386.SYS memory manager in place of the HIMEM.SYS memory manager that is installed during the Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.0 setup.

Microsoft has confirmed that Microsoft Windows version 3.0 will load in 386 enhanced mode while using the DR DOS 6.0 memory manager EMM386.SYS. The device line in the CONFIG.SYS file will appear as follows: 

   DEVICE=C:\DRDOS\EMM386.SYS
Windows standard mode requires the addition of the /WINSTD switch to the device line as follows: 

   DEVICE=C:\DRDOS\EMM386.SYS /WINSTD
This switch, according to the DR DOS user's guide, "forces compatibility with Windows 3.0 in standard mode. Note that using /WINSTD will reduce the amount of conventional memory available to applications because upper memory is disabled."

If you attempt to load Windows in standard mode without the /WINSTD switch, the following message is displayed: 

   EMM386: Cannot let Windows run in standard mode as upper
   and/or EMS memory is in use. If standard mode is required, use
   the /WINSTD option of EMM386.
For additional information, contact Digital Research Technical Support.

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

KBCategory: kb3rdparty
KBSubcategory: win30
Additional reference words: 3.0 3.00 3.0a 3.00a DRDOS DR-DOS DRI

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Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
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