Today most users will not need to install MS-DOS on their computers. You want to install MS-DOS to get older programs or games to work.

Although there are earlier versions of MS-DOS, users who want to install a stand-alone version of MS-DOS should install the last version of MS-DOS, version 6.22.

To complete this lab, we have to complete the following tasks:

• Create active partition (Fdisk.exe)
• Format free disk space (Format.exe)
• Complete MS-DOS installation

Minimum MS-DOS hardware requirements are:

• 512K conventional memory
• Floppy drive for installation
• Approximately 3.5 MB of free disk space for all the supported components

Later versions of MS-DOS (6.22 and earlier) ship on three installation floppy disks. If you boot the computer with the first diskette, the installation process starts automatically.

The installation process for MS-DOS 6.22 is interactive. Insert Disk 1 and boot the PC. The first disk automatically loads the installation program. The installation process prompts for the other installation floppies as they are required.

NOTE: If the Setup program does not automatically launch after you start the computer, yo may have to modify the computer's BIOS settings.

At the end of the BIOS boot sequence computer storage devices are checked to locate the operating system. Typically, the first hard drive is listed first, but the BIOS can be set to have the BIOS check the floppy disk, a CD-ROM, or another hard drive first with the order in which the other devices are checked also specified. Depending on the CMOS data, the following actions occur:

• If the boot device is the hard drive, the BIOS looks for the master boot record.
  • Master Boot Record (MBR) found on each physical disk on sector 1
  • Program
  • Partition Table: 4 partitions (one extended)
  • Partition
  • Active
  • Logical Drive C: (volume)
  • OS Boot sector (program)
  • FAT
  • Root directory
    ...
  • Partition
    • Logical Drive D: (volume)
    • Logical Drive E: (volume)
    
    ...
• If the boot device is a floppy disk or a CD-ROM, the BIOS looks at the first sector of the disk for the operating system's boot program.
• If the boot program is not found on the first device listed, the next device indicated is searched, and then the third, and so on until the boot program is found.
• If no boot device is found, the boot sequences stop and an error message ("No boot device available") is displayed.

1. When the message "Starting MS-DOS ..." appears on the screen, press the F5 key to bypass MS-DOS Setup. Otherwise, when the MS-DOS setup screen appears after computer starts, press the F3 key two or more times to exit from the setup. Once at the A:\> MS-DOS prompt type fdisk and press enter.
   
   
2. Follow FDISK instructions to partion and FORMAT the hard drive.
   
   
3. Once FDISK procedures are finished, and the system restarts, keep Disk 1 in the drive. MS-DOS will re-check the configuration.
   
   
4. Continue to setup and format the drive using Fat16.
   
   
5. Once finished you will be asked to confirm your country and keyboard settings.
   
   
6. Use arrow keys to highlight what needs changed and hit enter, you can then select a different option to install.
   
   
7. Once changes have been made, hit "Enter" after you highlight "The Settings are Correct"
   
   
8. Now you will be asked where you want to install MS-DOS, leave defaults (DOS) and hit enter.
   
   
9. MS-DOS will start to copy files..
   
   
10. And then prompt you to insert disk 2. Once done hit enter.
    
    
11. MS-DOS will continue to copy files..
    
    
12. And then prompt you to insert disk 3. Once done hit enter.
    
    
13. MS-DOS will continue to copy files.
    
    
14. "Remove Disks" message will appear, remove any floppies and hit enter.
15. In no time at all the setup in complete. Click enter to restart system in MS-DOS.

Following the above steps will install MS-DOS in the computer. If successfully installed, the computer should be able to boot and display an MS-DOS prompt with no diskettes in the computer.

Try collecting DOS Resource Information.

Try to optimize DOS Memory.

• Issues/Requirements: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000866.htm
• Outline: http://www.windowsreinstall.com/install/textonly/msdos622.htm
• Screen by screen: http://www.windowsreinstall.com/install/msdos/install622/page1.htm