Installing older version of DOS over new

[Brian Todd]

I picked up my IBM PS/2 Model 30 today and the good news is that everything is functioning perfectly! The HDD has a good version of Windows 3.0 on it which I would like to keep, however, the DOS version installed is MS DOS 5.0, whereas I think the machine originally came with PC-DOS 4.0 (at least these are the floppies which came with the machine). Ideally, I would therefore like to install PC DOS 4.0 whilst maintining the Windows version on the machine. It has been so long since I installed DOS that I thought I would ask for advice from you guys! Thanks in advance

 

[Timo W.]

PC DOS 4.0 was full of bugs - I would not recommend installing that.

Also, Windows 3.0 was released in 1990, just like MS-DOS 5.0. So they fit perfectly together. Going back to PC DOS 4.0 for originality would also mean to downgrade to Windows 2.x. Otherwise, it is rather pointless.

I would keep it this way.

 

[NeXT]

If you are hellbent on DOS 4, install 4.01 which was a major bugfix release.
If you are purist, I'd recommend IBM PC-DOS 5.

 

[Brian Todd]

Thanks guys, I guess I was not complete in my question. The DOS currently installed is in Dutch and I would prefer it to be in English. I therefore want to reinistall an English version of DOS (4.1 or 5) without formatting the HDD. How should I best do this?

 

[Caluser2000]

Rename the dos directory(DOZ for example) and the in the root directory command.com extention something like "txt"(command.txt for example) and give that a shot.

IBM Dos 5.02 is preferable.

 

[krebizfan]

The SYS command would replace the hidden system files allowing the replacement DOS version to boot. The previous installed version won't be able to boot after so there is no reason to keep those files around and it is a bit safer removing the previous version to keep from hitting course version bugs.

The SETUP program with DOS 5 does not require reformatting in most cases so that might be a simpler solution.

 

[vwestlife]

There is no advantage to DOS 4.0x other than originality. PC DOS 7.0/2000 actually takes up less RAM than any version of DOS since 3.3.

And FYI, PC DOS 4.01 identifies itself as version 4.00, both when typing VER and when a program queries the version number. The only way to tell that it's actually 4.01 is to look at the version number printed on the installation disks, and the date of the DOS files.

 

[Caluser2000]

There is no advantage to DOS 4.0x other than originality. PC DOS 7.0/2000 actually takes up less RAM than any version of DOS since 3.3.

And FYI, PC DOS 4.01 identifies itself as version 4.00, both when typing VER and when a program queries the version number. The only way to tell that it's actually 4.01 is to look at the version number printed on the installation disks, and the date of the DOS files.

Good point mate. Maybe you should repost the various Dos conventional memory free results you posted on the old VCF forums about two decades ago

 

[Brian Todd]

Thanks guys, so bottom line is that PC-DOS 5.0 is probably the best to go for, and if I want to change the language I just wipe the old DOS files and reinstall from floppy .. at least this is what I take from your various responses.