[Ham-Computers] Changing Drives When Using DOS

[nn6o]

Jim,

You've run into a "file system" issue - depending on the version of "DOS" on
that bootable floppy you have, it will only recognize FAT (or FAT32) partition
types.  If your system is formatted with any other file system (such as NTFS,
Ext3, HPFS, etc), then you'll need a bootable disc that includes support for
those file systems if you wish to access those partitions.

If you want a Windows (or DOS) based bootable CD, then I suggest you do a
Google search for WinPE or BartPE boot CD's.  WinPE is Microsoft's "Preboot
Environment" and is what is used to first install Windows.  When you "build"
the basic WinPE boot CD, it loads a GUI, but drops you into a Command Prompt -
much like "Safe Mode Command Prompt".  BartPE is a heavily modified WinPE
environment that includes several GUI based utilities to make it more usable
to those without Command Prompt experience.  To build a WinPE cd, you'll need
to download the Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK) from Microsoft
(http://download.microsoft.com and search for WAIK - you'll want the one dated
2/2007).  Be forwarned...building a WinPE CD is not the easiest thing to do.
Here are a couple of links to get you started:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc766093.aspx
http://www.msfn.org/board/lofiversion/index.php/t83722.html
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/303891


BartPE's boot CD is used by many and is easier to build and customize.  Bart's
CD building instructions can be found here:

http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/


Both WinPE and BartPE require you to have a WinXP CD (as the "PE" environment
requires to own a Windows license).


Another option, depending on what you want to do, is to use a "Live" Linux CD
- a Linux distro that boots and runs entirely off a CD.  Many Linux distros
have a "live" CD version for trial/demo purposes and most Linux distros
include support for NTFS.  The best place to find "Live" OS CD's is here:

http://www.livecdlist.com/


73 and GL,

  - Aaron, NN6O


p.s.  There is one other option...somewhere floating on the 'net is a NTFS
filesystem driver for DOS that allows you to mount an NTFS volume as Read
Only.  I tried it many years ago, but found it unstable.  I now use a WinPE
CD, when needed.

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 12:22 AM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Changing Drives When Using DOS

Using a computer running XP Pro.set up with a number of virtual drives in an
extended partition.

If I start Windows and use Run>CMD to bring up the DOS mode, I see
C:\Documents and Settings\Jim Hill.  I can change drives by typing the drive
letter, G: for example.

If I start DOS using a bootable CD, made from a bootable floppy disk, I see
the A:\> prompt. Typing most other drive letters, C: for example,  causes
"Invalid drive specification" to appear.  The exception is B:, which displays
"Insert diskette for drive B: and press any key when ready".  I assume the
bootable CD is ok because it boots and using DIR brings up a list of 13 files
including Command.com.

How can I access the C: and other drives when using a bootable disk?

Jim