Starting and Exiting MS-DOS
Before you can run an MS-DOS application program, MS-DOS must be running in memory.
When you turn on your computer, it loads MS-DOS from the hard disk automatically. The screen then displays the MS-DOS command prompt, C : \>. This tells you that MS-DOS is loaded and identifies the current drive.
Before you turn off the computer, make sure the MS-DOS command prompt is displayed. Then remove your diskettes, turn off your computer, and turn off any peripherals.
Another way to load MS-DOS is by turning on the computer with the Startup diskette in drive A. You may need to do this if your hard disk is not functioning. You must use this method if your computer does not have a hard disk. Follow the instructions in the next section.
Loading MS-DOS From a DisketteFollow these steps to load MS-DOS from a diskette in drive A:
1.When your computer is off, insert the Startup diskette into drive A. (For detailed instructions on inserting diskettes, see “Inserting and Removing Diskettes” in Chapter 3.)
2.Turn on any peripheral equipment, then turn on your computer. The computer loads MS-DOS into its memory where it will remain until you turn off the computer. Once MS-DOS is loaded, you see a date prompt, such as the following, which appears every time you load MS-DOS:
Current date is Mon 11-06-89
Enter new date:
3.You may enter the correct date in the format shown, such as 12 - 25 - 89 (you do not need to enter the day of the week), or you may accept the date shown by pressing Enter.
