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An Example Of How The CONFIG.SYS File Should
DocumentID: 616789
Revision Date: 29-Feb-96 1:37:29 PM

The information in this document applies to:
WordPerfect® 5.1 for DOS

Problem

Symptoms: How should the CONFIG.SYS file be set up? Solutions: The CONFIG.SYS file is read through a few times by the system. The first time it is read, the system looks for a DOS= command (DOS 5.0 only). This line is read first whether it is the first or last line. The second time the file is read the system looks for the following: BREAK, BUFFERS, COUNTRY, DEVICE (and DEVICEHIGH), DRIVPARM, FCBS, FILES, LASTDRIVE, STACKS, and SWITCHES. These commands are run in the order they appear. Certain devices require other devices or commands to be installed before they are, so this is dependent on what is being run on the system.

The CONFIG.SYS file is read a third time to find INSTALL commands. The INSTALL command will load TSRs through the CONFIG.SYS file (to allow TSRs to be loaded before the command processor). The CONFIG.SYS file is then read one last time to find a SHELL command. This allows the user to configure the system with a different command processor or modify it.

When troubleshooting DOS problems, try the most vanilla configuration possible (FILES=20), and then add commands back into the CONFIG.SYS file from there. With Windows installations, having only HIMEM.SYS, FILES=30, and SHELL (if necessary) is a good place to start. Also remember, if you find something conflicting, try placing it before or after other commands in the CONFIG.SYS file. It is still possible that it can work, but it might need other information installed in the system before it can work, or needs other information NOT to be there when it installs. As a key, load device drivers first with HIMEM.SYS being the first in the file. For example:
      DOS=HIGH,UMB (Can be placed anywhere in the file) (With Windows, don't use the ,UMB option.)
      DEVICE=HIMEM.SYS [options]
      DEVICE=RAMDRIVE(or VDISK.SYS) [options] (If set to use extended memory, otherwise place below EMM386.SYS)
      DEVICE=EMM386.SYS [options]
      (Everything below HIMEM.SYS and EMM386.SYS can now be loaded high, if EMM386 uses the RAM or NOEMS option, and DOS=UMB is used)
      DEVICE=SETVER.EXE
      DEVICE=SMARTDRV.SYS [options]
      DEVICE=ANSI.SYS
      FILES=x
      BUFFERS=n[,m]
      STACKS=n,s
      LASTDRIVE=x
      BREAK=ON/OFF
      SHELL=(command processor)

Answer:

Details:


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