[Ham-Computers] RE: Navigating DOS Screen Without a Mouse

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

I'm not familiar with the Terrabyte product, but taking a quick look at the Image for DOS download, are you creating an ISO file (CD-boot) or a floppy?  If you create a floppy, you should be able to add the mouse driver to the disk and AUTOEXEC.BAT file for mouse support (as long as there's enough space for it).  If you're creating the ISO, it will not be easy to modify the "bootable" portion - the "CD" part of the disc can be easily opened with ISO tools, but the "bootable" portion is a binary file.

One more thought...it's also possible that the app has built-in mouse support (without need for a mouse driver), but can't detect USB mice.  If this is the case, in your BIOS setup, check the "Advanced" settings for an option called "Legacy USB support", "USB Mouse support", or something similar and make sure it's enabled.

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O


-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 11:16 PM
Subject: Re: [Ham-Computers] RE: Navigating DOS Screen Without a Mouse

Thanks, Aaron, but is there a method of running MSMOUSE.EXE?  Once I 
boot up using a Terabyte Image for DOS boot disk, I'm busy answering 
questions and following commands.  I thought of adding MSMOUSE.EXE to 
the Terabyte boot disk, but it's either an ISO file or they have 
hidden the contents from view, as I can see nothing.

Jim



At 10:59 AM 5/14/2008, you wrote:
>TAB and the arrow keys usually work and are pseudo-standard, but DOS 
>apps are individually coded, so there is no definitive standard.  So 
>even though TAB/Arrow keys work in one app, they may not work in 
>another.  Such was the way of life during the non-GUI "dark ages" of 
>text-based, character graphics, computing.
>
>As for USB mouse support in DOS, you probably need to run a TSR app 
>or driver to control the mouse.  DOS has no built-in mouse support 
>and the mouse vendor usually supplied an app/driver that added MOUSE 
>functionality.  MOUSE.COM, MOUSE.EXE, and MOUSE.SYS are the common 
>names for Logitech mouse drivers, MSMOUSE.EXE for Microsoft 
>mice.  These also usually work with mice that emulate a Logitech or 
>Microsoft mouse and the latest versions of these drivers should 
>include USB support.
>
>73,
>
>   - Aaron, NN6O
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 8:44 AM
>Subject: Re: [Ham-Computers] Navigating DOS Screen Without a Mouse
>
>Thanks for the helpful replies.  Tab works nicely to move from place
>to place, and after looking more carefully, I noticed highlighted
>letters where I could use Alt-(desired letter) to respond.
>Jim
>
>At 11:18 PM 5/12/2008, you wrote:
> >I'm using Terabyte Image for DOS to back up the C drive and
> >encountered a problem.  I need to add an X to a box to indicate I
> >want to validate during the backup.  Normally, I would use the mouse
> >and left click the box, but as the name implies it's a DOS program
> >and my USB mouse is inoperative.  I don't have a mouse port on 
> this computer.
> >
> >What keystrokes should I use?  I can easily reach the line that has
> >the box, but can't click it. Incidentally, it's a nice program but
> >it's too bad it does not have USB mouse support.
> >
> >Thanks, Jim
> >
> >______________________________________________________________