Quick Tips for DOS 6.0 Users!


Submitted by:   Gloria Short - Assistant Editor

Guidelines for Deleting Unnecessary DOS Files

Yes, this new version of MS-DOS uses more disk space, so you may
find yourself wondering if you can live without some of files
MS-DOS has installed.  

What follows is a list of MS-DOS files you CAN delete, but note the
conditions under which you should or shouldn't delete noted in
parentheses. If you do choose to delete these files, make certain
first that you have stored your original, master MS-DOS 6 safely
and backed the files you will be deleting up to floppy or tape, in
case you do  find you need them in the future.

MS-DOS 6 Files You Can Delete:  

APPEND.EXE (If you don't need the APPEND command)

NLSFUNC.EXE
KEYB.COM
*.CPI
COUNTRY.SYS
DISPLAY.SYS
KEYBOARD.SYS (These files are not needed unless you need
international - foreign language support)

RAMDRIVE.SYS (If you don't use a RAM disk, or your computer has
only conventional memory)

DOSSHELL.* (If you do not plan to use the MS-DOS Shell.

POWER.EXE (if you are not using a laptop)

INTERLNK.*
INTERSVR.* (If you do not need to use the INTERLNK program

EMM386.EXE
MEMMAKER.* (If you're using less than a 386 computer, or if your
computer has no extended memory)

SMARTDRV.EXE (If your computer has no hard disk, or if it has no
extended memory)

Previous MS-DOS Version Files You Can Delete:

4201.CPI, 4208.CPI
52505.CPI, LCD.CPI,
PRINTER.SYS (If you don't need to download different character sets
to an IBM Proprinter model 4201, 4202, 4207 or to an IBM
Quietwriter model 5202)

GRAFTABL.COM (If you don't need international support for a CGA
monitor)

ASSIGN.COM (Use the SUBST command instead)

CV.COM, EXE2BIN.EXE
LINK.EXE, GWBASIC.*,
BASICA.*, *.BAS (If you do not use DOS' built-in BASIC programming
module)

EDLIN.EXE (If you do not use EDLIN line editor; use EDIT instead,
but keep your BASIC files from MS-DOS 5 or 6)

HDBKUP.EXE,
HDRSTORE.EXE (No longer necessary with MS-DOS 6)

JOIN.EXE (If you do not plan to use the JOIN command)

MSHERC.COM (If you do not have, or need to support, a Hercules
monitor)

PRINTFIX.COM (If you are not currently using the Printfix program
and you can successfully start your printer)

SMARTDRV.SYS (Old version so you can delete this; the new file is
SMARTDRV.EXE)