PROBLEM

Install on Windows 95

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Solution or Workaround

Summary

The DAK won't start after successfully installing it in Windows 95.

Cause

The problem may be due to the DAK being installed in the C:\PROGRAM FILES\ subdirectory. This makes all references to the DAK in the AUTOEXEC.BAT appear like this:

PATH C:\PROGRAM FILES\DAK\CMD
SET ARC=C:\PROGRAM FILES\DAK

The DAK is actually a DOS based application that runs as a Windows Extension. As such, it cannot interpret the non 8.3 compliant (FAT) system that native Windows 95 uses with long file names.

Solution

Use one of these methods to resolve this problem:

METHOD 1:

1. Use the Windows Explorer to delete the C:\PROGRAM FILES\DAK file and the DAK short cut icon on the desktop.

2. Re-install the DAK but load the DAK in the C:\DAK subdirectory and not the C:\PROGRAM FILES\DAK sub-directory.

METHOD 2:

1. Use the Windows Explorer to move DAK directory from the C:\PROGRAM FILES folder to the C:\ location.

2. Load the AUTOEXEC.BAT file into a text editor and update the file location. Change the following lines:

PATH C:\PROGRAM FILES\DAK\CMD
SET ARC=C:\PROGRAM FILES\DAK

To:

PATH C:\DAK\CMD
SET ARC=C:\DAK

3. Reboot your computer.

4. Right-click the DAK short cut icon on the desktop and select Properties. Select the Shortcut tab and make sure the Start In field contains C:\DAK\CMD.

If the DAK short cut icon has not been created, do the following:

a. Click Start > Programs > Windows Explorer
b. Navigate to the C:\DAK\CMD\ directory
c. Drag the SCRWIN file and drop it in the Windows 95 desktop area
d. Exit Windows Explorer
e. Right-click the SCRWIN short cut and select Rename
f. Change the name to DAK
g. Right-click the new DAK shortcut icon and select Properties
h. Select the Shortcut tab and make sure it contains the following:

Target: 	C:\DAK\CMD\SCRWIN.EXE X DAK
Start in: C:\DAK\CMD
Shortcut key: None
Run: Normal Window

i. Click the Change icon
j. Click Browse and navigate to the C:\DAK\CMD\ directory
k. Select the DAK icon file and click Open
l. Click OK
m. Click OK again

See the document in the Related Information section if upon starting the DAK you get the following warning message:

Program requires MS-DOS mode.
The MS-DOS prompt may not run well unless it is in MS-DOS mode.
Do you want to change the short cut properties to make it always run in MS-DOS mode (Y/N) ?

Article ID:000001702

Software:
  • Legacy Products

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