Question: "The Mill" is a DOS program.  How can I run it on my Windows computer?

Introduction

MS-DOS, usually just called DOS, is the operating system that was used by most PCs before the Windows operating system was introduced. "The Mill" is written in QBasic, which is a DOS programming language. QBasic is an excellent language for writing a program such as "The Mill", but a program written in QBasic is a DOS program and not a Windows program.  All except the latest versions of Windows provide a convenient means for running DOS programs, both under Windows DOS and true MS-DOS.  It is more difficult on recently released Windows programs, such as Windows XP, to run DOS programs.

The latest release of "The Mill", mill04a, and its installation system are designed to permit running the program regardless of the operating system in use. Instructions for installing and running mill04a are given on the download page and during the download. It is highly recommended that all users download Mill04a, if they haven't already done so.

The information provided here applies in general to all versions of Windows, except the latest version, typical of which are the Windows XP versions.  The specific information given below applies to Windows 98, but should be the same, or similar, in other versions of Windows except the latest versions.

A computer that normally uses Windows provides two methods of running DOS programs.  One method, which will be called the Windows DOS Mode, permits the program to be run in a DOS window, which can be expanded to full screen. Windows continues to run in the back-ground.  The other method shuts down the Windows operating system and restarts the computer in what is called the MS-DOS Mode.   In this mode, the computer operates as if it were a DOS machine. The computer  will continue operating in the MS-DOS mode until the DOS program being run has been closed and Windows has reloaded.

Many  DOS programs will run properly under the Windows DOS Mode.  Some  DOS programs will operate correctly only in the MS-DOS Mode.

"The Mill" will run in the Windows DOS Prompt Mode or in the MS-DOS Mode

 Except with some of the latest versions of Windows, such as XP, which run the NTFS file system, "The Mill" will work properly when  run in the Windows DOS Mode, except that the serial port output will not be available.  The serial port output is used to operate a telegraph sounder or a keying relay, or to key a transceiver. Not all users will require the serial port output.  "The Mill" should be displayed "full screen" when running.   When running in the Windows DOS Prompt Mode, and the program runs in a "window", change to "full screen" by clicking on the full screen ikon in the task bar at the top of the window, or click on Properties and select "full screen" and "Apply".   Whenever it is desired to use the serial port output, Windows must be shut down and the computer restarted in the MS-DOS Mode.

How to run "The Mill" in the Windows Prompt Mode

Click on My Computer, then click on (C:).  Then click on the Mill04a folder and the program files will be displayed. Locate the MS-DOS icon named Mill04a, click on it, and the program will run with Windows running in the background.  If the program runs in a window, click on the "full screen" icon on the task bar of the window.  "The Mill" can also be run in the Windows Mode by clicking on Start,  and then Run. Then type the path and file name as follows:  c:\mill04a\mill04a.exe (ENTER).

How to run "The Mill" in the  MS-DOS Mode

To run the program in the MS-DOS Mode, click on Start, then Shut Down. From  the Menu select "Restart in the MS-DOS" mode and click on (OK).  The DOS prompt C:\WINDOWS will appear.  At the DOS prompt, type CD\  (Enter), and  the C:\  prompt will appear. To run the program, and mill04a is being used, the user must type mill04a.exe at the c:\mill04a prompt, and the program will run.

Shortcuts on the Desktop for running "The Mill"

Experienced computer users may wish to set up two shortcuts on the desktop for "The Mill" on the desk top, one with preferences which will run the program full screen in the Windows DOS Prompt Mode, and the other with preferences that will run it in the MS-DOS Mode.   When setting up the shortcuts, have the shortcuts point to the c:\mill02a\mill02a.exe.

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Last modified:  30 April 05

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