Windows 95 Startup Error: Incorrect MS-DOS Version...

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

After you install Windows 95 and restart the system, it returns to an MS-DOS prompt with the following error message:

   Incorrect MS-DOS version
   Enter the name of Command Interpreter (e.g., C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND.COM)

CAUSE

This problem can occur if SETVER.EXE is being loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file and has a setting indicating that COMMAND.COM should look for a version of MS-DOS earlier than 7.0.

RESOLUTION

Boot the system with the Windows 95 Startup disk and do the following:

1. Change to the WINDOWS directory by typing the following:

         cd\<Windows 95 directory name>
   

2. Rename the SETVER.EXE file by typing the following:

         ren setver.exe setver.old
   

3. Remove the Windows 95 Startup disk from drive A, then shut down and restart the system. (Windows 95 loads at this point.)

4. Click the Start button, point to Programs, and then click MS-DOS Prompt.

5. Change to the Windows directory by typing the following:

         cd\<Windows 95 directory name>
   

6. Rename the SETVER.EXE file again by typing the following:

         ren setver.old setver.exe
   

7. Remove the COMMAND.COM entry by typing the following:

         setver command.com /d
   

8. Restart the computer to make the SETVER changes take effect.

MORE INFORMATION

When Windows 95 is installed, the new SETVER.EXE assumes the settings of the currently loaded SETVER.EXE in an effort to maintain compatibility with existing MS-DOS-based applications.