Frequently Asked Questions

Before you continue, are you sure you are running the latest version of PocketDOS?
Click here to download the latest version


FAQ Topics

• Trouble-shooting
  
  
  • Installation
  • Performance
  • Communication
  • Unlocking PocketDOS
    
    
• Registering and Upgrading
  
  
  • Upgrading PocketDOS
  • Registering PocketDOS
  • Upgrading from XT-CE to PocketDOS
  • Unlocking PocketDOS
  • Changing Devices
    
    
• Application Issues
  
  
  • Running DOS Applications
  • Application Specific Questions
  • HP 200LX Applications
    
    
• Emulated Hardware
  
  
  • Communication
  • Compact Flash Cards
  • Display
  • Sound
  • Memory
  • Keys and Input Devices
  • Drives, Files and Directories
  • Printing
    
    
• Changing Configuration
  
  
  • Changing DOS configuration
  • Changing PocketDOS configuration
  • Installing other operating systems
  • Trouble-shooting
  • Advanced
    
    
• Compatibility
  
  
• Tutorials
  

Installation

• I've downloaded PocketDOS for Windows CE but when I try to unzip the file I cannot get the files. The winzip program says its unzipping the files but it doesn't place them anywhere. What do I need to do in order to install PocketDOS?


• When I run the install program I get an error message: "Could Not Run PocketDOS_Setup.exe." None of the files are extracted.


• I have downloaded the PocketDOS demo and installed it using Activesync. However there is no trace of PocketDOS on my H/PC. I thought I would see a PocketDOS file or folder somewhere but there is nothing. Have I even downloaded the correct file? I have done it twice now and it still comes up the same. Another program seems to be installed instead of PocketDOS.


• I downloaded the demo version of PocketDOS from the web site. After installing I get an error message "This device requires PocketDOS for Windows CE Jupiter v2.11"


• I successfully installed your demo version on my iPaq 3870, and when I registered it, it responded with successful registration. Then, when I restart the program, it stalls on the message "Initialisation Complete". I have tried to install the program both in the main memory and on the DS Card.


• I installed PocketDOS and it worked fine. Upon playing with the program, I chose to boot from the C: drive. Now, when I start PocketDOS, I get an error message stating that no operating system is installed.


• I downloaded PocketDOS and put the program on a flash card and plugged it into my H/PC. The program won't start.."Unvalid CE application"


• I have 4MB RAM and 64MB FREE FLASH. When I try to install to flash card it says that I do not have enough memory. It doesent need more than 64MB does it?


• I have a HP 620 LX with a rom upgrade to Windows CE 3.0. When I run the evaluation version of PocketDOS, I get the message: "This version of PocketDos is not compatible with this device. This device requires PocketDOS for Windows CE Jupiter V2.11". What can I do to get PocketDOS running, because I have a lot of DOS programms that I would like to run on my HP 620LX?


• Is it possible to install PocketDOS directly from a CF card? I don't like the idea that I have to find a PC to reinstall PocketDOS after a hard-reset.
  

Performance

• PocketDOS works really slowly? What can I do to make it quicker?


• My application works under PocketDOS but it is just too slow to be usable. Is there any solution?
  

Communication

• I'm having trouble using the serial ports from a DOS program in PocketDOS?


• I am using a program that was designed to communicate via the serial port of the PC. Com port 1 has been set as serial cable on COM 1. The programme runs fine but it does not communicate at all?


• I am running a serial communication program but it is really slow.


• I want to re-direct a com port to a serial card. The card shows up in the menu as a valid redirect path (COM2:). When I try to redirect it either on screen (using SETCOM) or using the menu I get the message "Could not open COM2: (port may be in use)". I have tried a different serial card and made sure that no other programs were accessing the serial card.


• I keep getting an error message to the effect of "Could not redirect com1: to com1: (port may be in use)" when redirecting com1 to com1. Do you have any ideas why com1 may be unavailable?
  

Unlocking PocketDOS

• I am unable to unlock the registered version of PocketDOS, even though I have double checked the System ID and Owner Name. I only get an error message stating "invalid lock code." I even tried uninstalling and reinstalling the demo program and upgrade, but I still can't unlock the program.


• I succeeded in unlocking and starting PocketDOS. However, when the program starts, I get the error message: Bad or Missing Shell (COMMAND.COM)
  

Upgrading PocketDOS

• What changes are in the latest version of PocketDOS?


• I registered PocketDOS and downloaded the full version. After registering I saw a newer version on the website. How do I upgrade to the latest version?


• How can I install new versions of PocketDOS on the same palmtop?


• Do you offer a reduced upgrade price for registered users of PocketDOS?
  

Registering PocketDOS

• I would like to experiment with the evaluation version of pocketdos to see whether the programs I want to use will work with it. What extra features are available with the registered version?


• What utilities are available after I purchase registration?


• Where do I enter the PocketDOS unlock code once I've registered?


• I'd like to register PocketDOS by email. Must I just send my System ID and Owner Name?


• I'm changing ISPs, which will change my e-mail on the PocketPC Startup page when I decide to update it. Will this change my System ID and invalidate my PocketDOS license?
  

Upgrading from XT-CE to PocketDOS

• What advantages are there to upgrading from XT-CE to PocketDOS?


• How can I upgrade from XT-CE to PocketDOS?


• What is required to upgrade to PocketDOS from XT-CE?


• The website mentions that people regitering PocketDOS receive a full copy of the program including utilities, transfer protocols, etc. in a registered user add-on. Is this also the case for those of us who have registered XT-CE and are upgrading?


• I am upgrading from XT-CE to PocketDOS. Should I uninstall my copy of XT-CE prior to installing PocketDOS? If not, do I install it into it's own PocketDOS directory or into the XT-CE directory?


• I was running XT-CE. I have now downloaded PocketDOS (and entered my registration). When I try to run pocketDOS I get the error message "Non system disk or disk error press a key to reboot". This message just continues every time I press a key. Do you have a solution?
  

Unlocking PocketDOS

• If I have a problem with the palmtop and need to install everything again, how do I unlock the new installation of PocketDOS?


• My system crashed and I have lost my unlock code. Please can you send me a new unlock code.


• I purchased PocketDOS early this year but my HPC was stolen a few months ago and I am in the process of getting a new one. The problem is that I have misplaced my unlock code. Do you reissue the old unlock code or will I have to purchase another from you?
  

Changing Devices

• I am considering upgrading the operating system on my PDA. Will this change have any effect on the version of PocketDOS I have installed and if so what can I do to keep PocketDOS operational?


• I have recently upgraded my device. What must I do to make PocketDOS work on this new device?
  

Running DOS Applications

• What applications can be run on PocketDOS. I am trying to run old games but they don't seem to work?


• Will PocketDOS run any program that used to work with a IBM 8086 or 80186?


• I've tried many different DOS based programs and always get "this program cannot be run in DOS mode". I wrote a small program in C++ and compiled it using the Visual C++ embedded tools compiler but got the same result.


• I would like to run an old DOS programme on my handheld. Can PocketDOS do this? Do I just copy across the old DOS .exe files onto device into the appropriate directory. Will I be able to use the files created on a PC once I copy them back across?


• How does one load a dos program onto a CE machine?


• I am trying to run a DOS application. It fails with an error message relating to files or file handles. How can I run this application under PocketDOS?
  

Application Specific Questions

• I find that my WordPerfect documents include special formatting that doesn't convert well into Word. What versions of WordPerfect can I run using PocketDOS?


• I am trying to run CPACK using PocketDOS. I copied to a CF card the \CPACK files from my desktop but when I try to run app200.bat one of two things happen: either my H/PC freezes after displaying "TSR Rev 5.0.0", or I get the following message "Bad command or file name APP200: CPACK200 TSR is already loaded".


• I'm trying to execute Lotus 1-2-3. I have it installed on my CF storage card, which is mapped as "C:". C:\123\123.exe returns: "1-2-3 cannot start because the network license directory cannot be located. Please contact your network administrator for more information. (Press any key to exit)". With Lotus installed on my desktop in the same configuration it functions properly.


• I downloaded PocketDOS in order to run the GEOS program. Do you have any experience in trying to install this program on a handheld computer?


• Does PocketDOS contain "qbasic" or any version of basic that regular DOS 6.22 does?


• I am trying to get Turbo C++ running using Pocket DOS. When I run the main TC.exe file I get an error which says "Failed to locate DPMI server (DPMI16BI.OVL)".
  

• I took the disc memory from my HP 200LX (full of data) and slid it into appropriate slot of my new handheld. However I haven't been able to get a number of the programs to work.


• I am trying to install some HP 200LX programs using PocketDOS. I get a message saying "No TSRs" Is there anything I can do to fix this problem. PocketDOS works fine for other applications.


• Will the phone book and note taker files in the 200LX connectivity software work under PocketDOS?
  

Communication

• I recently purchased your program and would like to know if there is a dos program (ie. terminal emulation) that I could use to communicate with tools that use RS 232 serial communication?


• When DOS boots up and list the comm ports - are those comm ports already set or do you have to use SETCOM?


• I'm having trouble using the serial ports from a DOS program in PocketDOS?


• I am using a program that was designed to communicate via the serial port of the PC. Com port 1 has been set as serial cable on COM 1. The programme runs fine but it does not communicate at all?


• I am running a serial communication program but it is really slow.


• I use an old DOS communication utility to log into my network. However, this program expects to find the modem at com port 1,2,3. When starting PocketDOS, I get this message: Valid COM port redirections are: .... Com6: Built-in-Modem. How can I adress this modem with a com port 1,2,3?


• I am using a DOS program that communicates via the serial cable connected to a modem. Is possible to use the IR port instead of the serial port when communicating in the DOS enviroment?


• I want to re-direct a com port to a serial card. The card shows up in the menu as a valid redirect path (COM2:). When I try to redirect it either on screen (using SETCOM) or using the menu I get the message "Could not open COM2: (port may be in use)". I have tried a different serial card and made sure that no other programs were accessing the serial card.


• I keep getting an error message to the effect of "Could not redirect com1: to com1: (port may be in use)" when redirecting com1 to com1. Do you have any ideas why com1 may be unavailable?


• Is the lay-out and configuration of the emulated UART the same as on a PC? Can I write an interrupt 4 handler in assembly to service the UART for COM1?
  

Compact Flash Cards

• Can PocketDOS be run from a CompactFlash card?


• How can I map C: to a CompactFlash card?


• I am using my CF card as a physical disk. Whenever I try to save, I can't because the disk is locked. I unchecked the "Write protect drive letter" in the Change DOS drive letter wizzard, but it will not stay unchecked. After reboot, it is back, and I still can't save.
  

Display

• A program that I am using doesn't fill the entire screen. Bands at the top and at the bottom seem inaccessible to the program, even though other programs fill the entire screen. Is there a way to adjust the screen height or to gain access to these bands?


• Does PocketDOS support landscape operations?


• Is it possible to scroll up on the screen after doing a "dir" command. Would this be a PocketDOS function or a function of the handheld?
  

Sound

• The program I am using mutes the alarm in Windows CE. How can I change this?


• The program I am running uses the PC speaker. Unfortunately the tones are very much extended (slowed down) compared to the original. A melody cannot be recognized any more.
  

Memory

• I'm wondering about EMS and XMS...do you support it? I have some applications that make extensive use of higher memory and I'm wondering how to make it work.


• I can't get HIMEM.SYS or EMM386.EXE to work. What is the problem?


• A program suggests 64K of expanded memory for data, and 368K of expanded memory for the program. Can you help me with this configuration?
  

Keys and Input Devices

• Is there any way to type Control-F1 or Alt-F1 in PocketDOS? The Turbo C that I've installed seems to require it.


• I have a dos app that requires the F11 and F12 keys which seem to be unavailable in Pocket DOS. Anyway of adding these keys?


• Can I use a keyboard to type commands and to interact with programs while using PocketDOS or do I have to stick with the soft keyboard in PocketDOS?


• How can I enter data while running PocketDOS? Will it recognize the thumbpad type keyboards?


• The demo version has an option (under keyboard) to choose default input method but this option is greyed out. Is this available in the registered version and if not, is it going to be added in the future?


• How do I start the mouse support for my pointer? It does not seem to work in my DOS programs.


• I want to use the touchpad as mouse. I copyed a mouse driver to my pocketpc, then called "mouse.com", while PocketDOS was running, but it does't work. What should I do?
  

Drives, Files and Directories

• I have used Microsoft ActiveSync to copy one EXE file and one support file to: \Program Files\PocketDOS on my handheld. Is this the correct directory for DOS programmes? I cannot see my two files under C:\ or B:\ on my handheld neither can the EXE file find the support file?


• I was using SETDRIVE B: D:\ in earlier release of PocketDOS. But now it does'nt work anymore, since B: is now mapped to DOS. I need drive B: since it fixes some other issues I had. How can I get around this?


• I downloaded and installed PocketDOS successfully but it does not seem to see all the directories and files on my H/PC and its storage card, is this a limit of the demo version?


• I created a drive "D" with setdrive for my new program. When I quit PocketDos and later opened it again, the "D" drive had vanished and I had to create it once again. Do I need to do something like write-protect the drive letter using /w?


• I have created a partition "C: ", the max size I can alocate is 32MB. I use a 2 Gb PCMCIA card and I'd like to have greater DOS disks (at least 128 Mb). Of course I can redirect DOS drives to WinCE drives, but some programs aren't happy to work with network drives.
  

Printing

• What level of printer support does PocketDOS provide? Will applications that are hard-coded to use a parallel printer on LPT1 be able to print?
  

Changing DOS configuration

• How do I load other device drivers, external to PocketDOS? I tried adding the line "devicehigh=b\nansi.sys" to the config.sys file but when loading it says device not found.


• How can I get a good PocketPC compatable version of "ANSI.SYS". Other editions of ansi.sys that I have were viewed by PocketPC as "bad" when called upon from the config.sys file.


• I am trying to run a DOS application. It fails with an error code of 4. How can I run this application under PocketDOS?


• Is there some way to tweak or enter a config.sys file?


• I want to include a path in the path command, I tried to put it in the s: folder but it doesn't work. How do I add a path to the DOS search path?
  

Changing PocketDOS configuration

• Is it possible to run more than one DOS program at one time and switch between them? Is there a utility that would make this possible?


• Is it possible to save (and restore) PocketDOS settings. I need to Hard-Reset my device for another application and each time must re-enter all the settings. Is it possible to set all the settings in a config.sys or autoexec.bat.
  

Installing other operating systems

• When I load, after the 30 second screen, it states that it requires an operating system and any key will reset. What am I doing wrong?
  

Trouble-shooting

• I accidently turned off the bottom line in the display (the Function keys and the window icon and the magnifying glass). How do I turn it back on?


• I can't seem to create a Hard Disk Image greater than 4MB, even though the size slider shows 20+, and therefore cannot install DOS 6.22. What is the problem?
  

Advanced

• I would like to have an icon for a DOS application on my handheld that double-clicking would start PocketDOS and also load the DOS application. Does PocketDOS have any command line switches that would make this possible?


• How do you edit the command line of a Windows CE shortcut to make it load a DOS program when starting up PocketDOS?


• What is the proper function to call from a C++ program in order to start the PocketDOS shell and run a batch file, under WinCE? Can you use the ShellExecuteEx() for MFC app's?


• I have a program that converts exe files to rxe files. The platform I am currently working on has a ram limit of 60k, so the rxe should enable larger program sizes, because it executes right out of the storage. What do you know about this?
  

• What is PocketDOS and how does it work?


• Why do you emulate such an old intel??? Why don't you emulate a 286 or 386??? There would be no problems then, and a StrongARM would have enough power for that.


• Are there any .SYS device files for DOS which can trick the application that the processor is 80286 or higher? A few of my programs detect the processor.
  
  

• View the list of tutorials


• In the tutorial "Configuring PocketDOS to Boot CE-DOS" you say to install the XT-CE Demonstration Disk Image. Why not the registered Image?
  

Answers

I've downloaded PocketDOS for Windows CE but when I try to unzip the file I cannot get the files. The winzip program says its unzipping the files but it doesn't place them anywhere. What do I need to do in order to install PocketDOS?

You will need to make sure that the Windows CE connectivity software (Windows CE Services or ActiveSync) is installed on your desktop computer and that your HPC is connected before trying to install PocketDOS. You should not need to use WinZip to install PocketDOS.


When I run the install program I get an error message: "Could Not Run Setup.exe." None of the files are extracted.

It appears as if you are attempting to install PocketDOS on a computer without Windows CE Services or ActiveSync installed. You need to install one of these communication packages so that the SETUP program can transfer the files to your handheld.


I have downloaded the PocketDOS demo and installed it using Activesync. However there is no trace of PocketDOS on my H/PC. I thought I would see a PocketDOS file or folder somewhere but there is nothing. Have I even downloaded the correct file? I have done it twice now and it still comes up the same. Another program seems to be installed instead of PocketDOS.

It appears as if another application's setup program has left behind read-only files which PocketDOS's setup program cannot overwrite. To overcome this problem, locate the TEMP directory on your desktop computer (usually C:\Windows\Temp) and rename/delete any files named SETUP.EXE. You should then be able to install PocketDOS. If this is not successful you will need to extract the PocketDOS archive with WinZip and manually run the SETUP.EXE program to install PocketDOS.


I downloaded the demo version of PocketDOS from the web site. After installing I get an error message "This device requires PocketDOS for Windows CE Jupiter v2.11"

This appears to be a "feature" of Microsoft ActiveSync. To correct this problem you will need to completely uninstall ActiveSync and then reinstall it (making sure you are using the latest version) and then reinstall PocketDOS.


I successfully installed your demo version on my iPaq 3870, and when I registered it, it responded with successful registration. Then, when I restart the program, it stalls on the message "Initialisation Complete". I have tried to install the program both in the main memory and on the SD Card.

This seems to be a problem on some Pocket PC 2002 devices. Please reset your device with the reset button. You should not have this problem after the reset.


I installed PocketDOS and it worked fine. Upon playing with the program, I chose to boot from the C: drive. Now, when I start PocketDOS, I get an error message stating that no operating system is installed.

Please select "Datalight ROM-DOS 6.22 ROM" from the "Boot from" options in the "Settings->System->Startup" menu option.


I downloaded PocketDOS and put the program on a flash card and plugged it into my H/PC. The program won't start.."Invalid CE application"

PocketDOS is designed to be installed from a desktop computer running Windows 95/98/Me/NT4/2000/XP and Windows CE Services or ActiveSync. The file above is designed to be run from your desktop PC with the handheld device connected. It will transfer the relevant files to your handheld and set up icons from which you can run PocketDOS (in the Start Menu).


I have 4MB RAM and 64MB FREE FLASH. When I try to install to flash card it says that I do not have enough memory. It doesent need more than 64MB does it?

Windows CE sometimes reports the space available incorrectly to installation programs running on a desktop computer. You should configure your device's memory to provide as much "storage" RAM as possible when you are installing the application (even if it is on a flash disk). Once the application is installed, you can set the memory back to it's original setting.


I have a HP 620 LX with a rom upgrade to Windows CE 3.0. When I run the evaluation version of PocketDOS, I get the message: "This version of PocketDos is not compatible with this device. This device requires PocketDOS for Windows CE Jupiter V2.11". What can I do to get PocketDOS running, because I have a lot of DOS programms that I would like to run on my HP 620LX?

This is a bug in some versions of Windows CE Services or ActiveSync, which causes the incorrect version of the executable to be copied to the handheld. You can correct this by installing the latest version of ActiveSync and reinstalling PocketDOS, or by extracting the files from the PocketDOS archive manually using WinZip and transferring the file:

PocketDOS.sh3_211.CAB

to your device. Double-tapping on this file on your device will install the correct version.


Is it possible to install PocketDOS directly from a CF card? I don't like the idea that I have to find a PC to reinstall PocketDOS after a hard-reset.

It is possible to install PocketDOS directly on the device on Windows CE 2.0 and later. You will need to extract the files from the PocketDOS archive using an UnZIP program. Double-tapping on a .CAB file will install directly on the unit. You will need to identify the processor and OS version in your device to be able to select the correct .CAB file.

Handheld PC - Windows CE 2.0:
PocketDOS.xxx_200.CAB

Palm-sized PC - Windows CE 2.01 and 2.11:
PocketDOS.xxx_201.CAB

Handheld PC Professional and Handheld PC 2000 - Windows CE 2.11 and 3.0:
PocketDOS.xxx_211.CAB

Pocket PC and Pocket PC 2002 - Windows CE 3.0:
PocketDOS.xxx_300.CAB

Windows Mobile 2003 - Windows CE 4.2:
PocketDOS.xxx_400.CAB

Windows SmartPhone 2002 - Windows CE 3.0:
PocketDOS.xxx_300sp.CAB

Windows SmartPhone 2003 - Windows CE 4.2:
PocketDOS.xxx_400sp.CAB

Where xxx is sh3, mips, arm or sh4 depending on the processor used on your device.


Trouble-shooting : Performance

PocketDOS works really slowly? What can I do, do make it quicker?

Have you enabled "direct screen access" for the display? This will speed up the display dramatically. You can enable "direct screen access" by typing:

SETSCRN DSA ON

from the PocketDOS prompt, or by enabling the "Write directly to display memory" option in the "Settings->Display" menu item.


My application works under PocketDOS but it is just too slow to be usable. Is there any solution?

PocketDOS emulates an 80186 processor in software. On a 206Mhz ARM processor, it reaches the equivalent speed of a 20Mhz 80186 (or 10Mhz 80386) processor. There is no way to make it go faster at present, neither is there likely to be much improvement in the speed of the emulation in the forseeable future. The only option available to increase the speed of your application is to port the application to Windows CE and compile it for the type of processor used in your device.


Trouble-shooting : Communication

I'm having trouble using the serial ports from a DOS program in PocketDOS?

Serial devices on the pocket computer must be mapped to DOS COM ports before they can be used from DOS applications. The SETCOM utility is used to map serial devices to the DOS COM1 & COM2 ports. Type SETCOM /? for more information on how to use the SETCOM utility.


I am using a programme that was designed to communicate via the serial port of the PC. Com port 1 has been set as serial cable on COM 1. The programme runs fine but it does not communicate at all?

The "sync" cable supplied with your device is wired as a DCE (modem) and not a DTE (computer). You will need to use a "null modem" adapter to convert this cable to a DTE. This is necessary to connect devices designed to be connected to a standard PC serial port to the "sync" cable. If your application relies on precise timing of the serial port signals it may not work correctly under PocketDOS. The timing accuracy can be improved (to a point) by setting the timer refresh rate from the "Settings->System->Timer" menu item. Increasing the timer refresh rate (to a value of 5ms or 1ms) usually solves timing based communication problems. To find out more about null modem adapters go to www.nullmodem.com


I am running a serial communication program but it is really slow.

There are two possible actions which could speed up serial communications:

1) PocketDOS emulates a buffered UART. PC compatibility requires that the buffers are disabled when the "PC" starts up. You can enable the FIFO buffers of the emulated UART by means of your software (select 16450 or 16550 as the UART type), or by downloading a utility to enable the FIFO from Simtel (www.simtel.net).

2) Interrupt driven communications typically send/receive data on each serial port interrupt. You can improve PocketDOS's response time to serial interrupts by increasing the refresh rate of the emulated hardware by setting the timer refresh rate from the "Settings->System->Timer" menu item. Increasing the timer refresh rate (to a value of 5ms or 1ms) usually solves timing based communication problems.


I want to re-direct a com port to a serial card. The card shows up in the menu as a valid redirect path (COM2:). When I try to redirect it either on screen (using SETCOM) or using the menu I get the message "Could not open COM2: (port may be in use)". I have tried a different serial card and made sure that no other programs were accessing the serial card.

Have you been able to redirect the COM1 port to the serial cable (COM1) with the command "SETCOM COM1 COM1"? Have you tried to redirect the COM port to the serial card when nothing is attached to the serial card's cable? Some serial devices do not open when certain handshake signals are active on the port. Also, in case your serial card does not support the default 2400 baud bitrate, you could try typing "MODE COM1: 19200" before redirecting the COM port.


I keep getting an error message to the effect of "Could not redirect com1: to com1: (port may be in use)" when redirecting com1 to com1. Do you have any ideas why com1 may be unavailable?

You should configure the communications on your device so that the COM1 port is not used to connect to your PC with ActiveSync. Also, you should attempt to perform the redirection before the serial cable is connected as some serial port drivers do not open the port correctly if handshaking signals are present on the port.


Trouble-shooting : Unlocking PocketDOS

1. Download the latest version of the PocketDOS demo.
2. Download the latest version of the registered user add-on.
3. Uninstall any existing versions of PocketDOS.
4. Install the demo and then the registered user add-on.
5. You will need to enter your unlock code when installing the registered user add-on.
   

• ShareIt! Reference Number from your purchase
• Owner Name (as specified in Settings->Owner)
• New system ID displayed when you start PocketDOS
• Email this information with your request to:   info@shareit.com
  

Registering and Upgrading : Changing Devices

I am considering upgrading the operating system on my PDA. Will this change have any effect on the version of PocketDOS I have installed and if so what can I do to keep PocketDOS operational?

I have recently upgraded my device. What must I do to make PocketDOS work on this new device?

Any upgrades will cause the System ID (as specified on the PocketDOS 'splash' screen) to change and therefore invalidate your PocketDOS unlock code. Once you have made the upgrade, please go to the upgrade sectpion of our website to apply for a new unlock code.


Application Issues : Running DOS Applications

What applications can be run on PocketDOS. I am trying to run old games but they don't seem to work?

PocketDOS is compatible with applications designed for a 8086/80186 PC with a CGA or VGA display adapter and 1Mb of memory. This includes most DOS productivity applications and many of the older DOS PC games. It will not run software designed for a 80286 or 80386 processor. Before attempting to run a particular piece of software under PocketDOS, you should check that it does not exceed these requirements. If you plan on trying out old DOS games on PocketDOS, make sure to set the "Write directly to display memory" option in the "Settings->Display->Performance" menu item. Also, make sure that you set the timer refresh rate to 5ms or 1ms in the "Settings->System->Timer".


Will PocketDOS run any program that used to work with a IBM 8086 or 80186?

PocketDOS will run MOST programs designed for a 8086 or 80186 CPU with a CGA or VGA display. We recommend that you download the demo and test whether the program you want to run works before registering. Apart from the delay on startup, there is no difference in functionality between the demo and full versions of our software.


I've tried many different DOS based programs and always get "this program cannot be run in DOS mode". I wrote a small program in C++ and compiled it using the Visual C++ embedded tools compiler but got the same result.

PocketDOS is designed to run DOS applications. Any application that displays the message 'this program cannot be run in DOS mode' is a Windows application (possibly a Windows console application) and is not compatible with PocketDOS. It is not possible to build DOS applications with Visual C++ versions later than 1.52 (16 bit). Please note that Windows console applications are not DOS applications and that PocketDOS emulates an 80186 processor and is therefore not able to run applications designed for later processors. Please look at the links on the "Software" section of our website, for C/C++ and Pascal compilers that are compatible with PocketDOS.


I would like to run an old DOS programme on my handheld. Can PocketDOS do this? Do I just copy across the old DOS .exe files onto device into the appropriate directory. Will I be able to use the files created on a PC once I copy them back across?

The application should run fine under PocketDOS if it is compatible with an 8086 or 80186 processor (CPU) with a text, CGA or VGA display. You should be able to copy the relevant files across and use them as long as you've put them into a folder which is "visible" from PocketDOS. You can set up a DOS drive letter to point to this folder with the SETDRIVE command eg. SETDRIVE C: "\Program Files\Example" You should also be able to use them on a PC without needing to run any sort of conversion.


How does one load a dos program onto a CE machine?

To load a DOS program onto the CE machine, you can either install the program on your desktop PC and then copy the program directory over to your CE machine, or copy the install files onto the machine and install the program from there.


I am trying to run a DOS application. It fails with an error message relating to files or file handles. How can I run this application under PocketDOS?

PocketDOS provides access to the Windows CE filing system via a DOS interface called a redirector. This interface is usually used to provide access to network drives under DOS and so the drives visible under PocketDOS would appear as network drives to a DOS application. You may want to check if your application is able to run on network drives.


Application Issues : Application Specific Questions

I find that my WordPerfect documents include special formatting that doesn't convert well into Word. What versions of WordPerfect can I run using PocketDOS?

PocketDOS versions 1.02 and later are compatible with WordPerfect 5.1. The latest version of WordPerfect that will run under PocketDOS is v5.1. Later versions require either a 80286 CPU which PocketDOS does not support.

I am trying to run CPACK using PocketDOS. I copied to a CF card the \CPACK files from my desktop but when I try to run app200.bat one of two things happen: either my H/PC freezes after displaying "TSR Rev 5.0.0", or I get the following message "Bad command or file name APP200: CPACK200 TSR is already loaded".

In order to run the CPACK under PocketDOS you will need to edit the APP200.BAT file and remove (or REM out) any lines containing CG or CG.COM. You need to make sure that you are not using any drivers designed to use HP200LX software on a desktop computer (CG, PALRUN or INT5F), as an equivalent graphics driver is built into PocketDOS. Due to the fact that PocketDOS emulates an x86 CPU the CPACK will run quite a bit slower than it does on a desktop computer.


I'm trying to execute Lotus 1-2-3. I have it installed on my CF storage card, which is mapped as "C:". C:\123\123.exe returns: "1-2-3 cannot start because the network license directory cannot be located. Please contact your network administrator for more information. (Press any key to exit)". With Lotus installed on my desktop in the same configuration it functions properly.

Create an image file (such as lotus.ima) using WinImage downloaded from www.winimage.com. Select uncompressed when going through the winimage screens. Create a batch file that contains three lines:

Setdrive A: "\storage card\lotus.ima"
A:
123

The first line installs the image as the A: drive and 123 starts Lotus. If the image file is stored on a path other than the storage card, substitute the proper path in the first line of the batch file. Include the quotation marks in the first line.


I downloaded PocketDOS in order to run the GEOS program. Do you have any experience in trying to install this program on a handheld computer?

PocketDOS is compatible with GEOS. When installing it, you will need to specify the display as CGA and the mouse as "Generic Touchscreen" or "Generic". After GEOS is installed and before running it for the first time, you will need to edit the GEOS.INI file in the GEOS install directory and add the following line: fs = msnet.geo to the [system] section.


Does PocketDOS contain "qbasic" or any version of basic that regular DOS 6.22 does?

PocketDOS does not contain any version of BASIC. It does support QBASIC from MS-DOS 6.22 if you are able to locate that (it can be found on the Windows 95/98 install CD).


I am trying to get Turbo C++ running using Pocket DOS. When I run the main TC.exe file I get an error which says "Failed to locate DPMI server (DPMI16BI.OVL)".

This error is being given as PocketDOS does not support software designed for an 80286 or later (which is needed for DPMI). You should install a version for 8086 or 80186 processors.


Application Issues : HP 200LX Applications

I took the disc memory from my HP 200LX (full of data) and slid it into appropriate slot of my new handheld. However I haven't been able to get a number of the programs to work.

PocketDOS does not attempt to emulate the HP200LX's built-in software. It is able to run software designed for the HP200LX as it emulates the HP200LX's proprietary graphics mode. In order to use data from the HP200LX with PocketDOS, you will need to purchase the "Hewlett Packard HP200LX Connectivity Pack". This is software supplied by HP that allows you to use this data on a desktop computer. This software can also be used on PocketDOS to provide a similar environment to the HP200LX and therefore use its data.


I am trying to install some HP 200LX programs using PocketDOS. I get a message saying "No TSRs" Is there anything I can do to fix this problem. PocketDOS works fine for other applications.

This message is not issued by PocketDOS. It is possible that your application requires the "System Manager" environment present on the HP200LX palmtop. In order to get this environment working correctly under PocketDOS you will need to install the Hewlett Packard "HP 200LX Connectivity Pack". This application is designed to provide an HP200LX user interface on a non-HP200LX DOS computer.


Will the phone book and note taker files in the 200LX connectivity software work under PocketDOS?

PocketDOS is compatible with the HP200LX connectivity pack.


Emulated Hardware : Communication

I recently purchased your program and would like to know if there is a dos program (ie. terminal emulation) that I could use to communicate with tools that use RS 232 serial communication?

If you have installed the registered user add-on for PocketDOS, then you will have a terminal emulator and XModem and ZModem transfer utilities. The terminal emulator can be invoked by typing COMM from the DOS prompt.


When DOS boots up and list the comm ports - are those comm ports already set or do you have to use SETCOM?

No comm ports are redirected by default. You will need to redirect a COM port before you can perform communications. The SETCOM utility is used to map to the DOS COM1 & COM2 ports. This can also be done from the "Settings->Communications" menu item.


I'm having trouble using the serial ports from a DOS program in PocketDOS?

Serial devices on the pocket computer must be mapped to DOS COM ports before they can be used from DOS applications. The SETCOM utility is used to map serial devices to the DOS COM1 & COM2 ports. Type SETCOM /? for more information on how to use the SETCOM utility.


I am using a program that was designed to communicate via the serial port of the PC. Com port 1 has been set as serial cable on COM 1. The program runs fine but it does not communicate at all?

The "sync" cable supplied with your device is wired as a DCE (modem) and not a DTE (computer). You will need to use a "null modem" adapter to convert this cable to a DTE. This is necessary to connect devices designed to be connected to a standard PC serial port to the "sync" cable. If your application relies on precise timing of the serial port signals it may not work correctly under PocketDOS. The timing accuracy can be improved (to a point) by setting the timer refresh rate from the "Settings->System->Timer" menu item. Increasing the timer refresh rate (to a value of 5ms or 1ms) usually solves timing based communication problems. To find out more about null modem adapters go to www.nullmodem.com


I am running a serial communication program but it is really slow.

There are two possible actions which could speed up serial communications:

1) PocketDOS emulates a buffered UART. PC compatibility requires that the buffers are disabled when the "PC" starts up. You can enable the FIFO buffers of the emulated UART by means of your software (select 16450 or 16550 as the UART type), or by downloading a utility to enable the FIFO from Simtel (www.simtel.net).

2) Interrupt driven communications typically send/receive data on each serial port interrupt. You can improve PocketDOS's response time to serial interrupts by increasing the refresh rate of the emulated hardware by setting the timer refresh rate from the "Settings->System->Timer" menu item. Increasing the timer refresh rate (to a value of 5ms or 1ms) usually solves timing based communication problems.


I use an old DOS communication utility to log into my network. However, this program expects to find the modem at com port 1,2,3. When starting PocketDOS, I get this message: Valid COM port redirections are: .... Com6: Built-in-Modem. How can I adress this modem with a com port 1,2,3?

Before you can use a Windows CE serial device under PocketDOS, you need to redirect it to the DOS COM1 or COM2 port using the SETCOM utility. For example to redirect the DOS COM1 port to the built in modem you need to use the following command:

SETCOM COM1 COM6

Type: SETCOM /? for more information on usage of the SETCOM utility.


I am using a DOS program that communicates via the serial cable connected to a modem. Is possible to use the IR port instead of the serial port when communicating in the DOS enviroment?

It is possible to use the IR port from DOS in PocketDOS. The IR port uses the IrDA protocol, and PocketDOS uses the IrComm protocol which is designed to provide serial communications over the IrDA protocol. It is only possible therefore to use devices which are IrDA and IrComm capable (most cellular telephones fall into this category). To redirect a DOS COM port to the IR port, you must use the following command:

SETCOM COM1 COM3

This will set the DOS COM1 port to use the COM3 port on the device (this is usually the IR port, typing SETCOM with no arguments will display a list of the available ports for redirection).


I want to re-direct a com port to a serial card. The card shows up in the menu as a valid redirect path (COM2:). When I try to redirect it either on screen (using SETCOM) or using the menu I get the message "Could not open COM2: (port may be in use)". I have tried a different serial card and made sure that no other programs were accessing the serial card.

Have you been able to redirect the COM1 port to the serial cable (COM1) with the command "SETCOM COM1 COM1"? Have you tried to redirect the COM port to the serial card when nothing is attached to the serial card's cable? Some serial devices do not open when certain handshake signals are active on the port. Also, in case your serial card does not support the default 2400 baud bitrate, you could try typing "MODE COM1: 19200" before redirecting the COM port.


I keep getting an error message to the effect of "Could not redirect com1: to com1: (port may be in use)" when redirecting com1 to com1. Do you have any ideas why com1 may be unavailable?

You should configure the communications on your device so that the COM1 port is not used to connect to your PC with ActiveSync. Also, you should attempt to perform the redirection before the serial cable is connected as some serial port drivers do not open the port correctly if handshaking signals are present on the port.


Is the lay-out and configuration of the emulated UART the same as on a PC? Can I write an interrupt 4 handler in assembly to service the UART for COM1?

PocketDOS emulates two 16550AF UARTs which can be mapped to any serial devices connected to the Windows CE device. The precise timing of the COM port interrupts will not match those of a real UART. Typically PocketDOS will only generate a maximum of 1000 serial interrupts a second (this requires the hardware refresh rate to be set to 1ms in the "Settings->System->Timer" menu option).


Emulated Hardware : Compact Flash Cards

Can PocketDOS be run from a CompactFlash card?

PocketDOS can be installed to and run from a Compact Flash card. When you install PocketDOS it prompts you for an install directory, you just need to enter the name of a folder on your CF card at this point (eg. \Storage Card\PocketDOS).


How can I map C: to a CompactFlash card?

PocketDOS should redirect the C: drive to the Compact Flash card by default. If not, this can be achieved using the SETDRIVE command (type SETDRIVE /? for more information).


I am using my CF card as a physical disk. Whenever I try to save, I can't because the disk is locked. I unchecked the "Write protect drive letter" in the Change DOS drive letter wizzard, but it will not stay unchecked. After reboot, it is back, and I still can't save.

Providing write access to the card requires that PocketDOS gains exclusive access to the card, this option cannot be enabled if any of the files PocketDOS is using (PocketDOS.exe, PocketDOS.sys or a disk image) are stored on the card. This is because the card will become "invisible" to Windows CE while PocketDOS has exclusive access to it to avoid corruption to the card, as neither OS is designed to share a physical disk with another OS.


Emulated Hardware : Display

A program that I am using doesn't fill the entire screen. Bands at the top and at the bottom seem inaccessible to the program, even though other programs fill the entire screen. Is there a way to adjust the screen height or to gain access to these bands?

You can cycle through various "zoom" modes that change the size of the display by pressing the "magnifying glass" button at the bottom right of the PocketDOS display. It is also possible to zoom the display to a particular specified text size (eg. 20x8). Please make sure you are using the latest version of PocketDOS. PocketDOS can also be run in "landscape" mode. In "portrait" mode, there is a scroll function which enables you to pan left and right to see parts of programs that don't fit on the screen.


Does PocketDOS support landscape operations?

PocketDOS is not compatible with utilities that rotate the Pocket PC display. It is possible to run PocketDOS in "landscape" mode by using its own built-in internal drivers. To enable "landscape" mode, use the SETSCRN ROTATE command (type SETSCRN /? for more information) from the PocketDOS prompt.


Is it possible to scroll up on the screen after doing a "dir" command. Would this be a PocketDOS function or a function of the handheld?

This is not possible due to the fact that PocketDOS is emulating a hardware display that does not/can not have this functionality. If you wish to view all of the files when using the DIR command, please use the following syntax: DIR /p This will display a screen of information and pause before scrolling.


Emulated Hardware : Sound

The program I am using mutes the alarm in Windows CE. How can I change this?

PocketDOS takes over the sound output of the device when the speaker is used. If you wish to disable this behaviour, you should disable the PC speaker output in the "Settings->System->Speaker" menu option.


The program I am running uses the PC speaker. Unfortunately the tones are very much extended (slowed down) compared to the original. A melody cannot be recognized any more.

Some applications that play melodies with the PC speaker use timer interrupts to provide consistent timing. By default PocketDOS refreshes the timer to the default DOS timer refresh rate (55ms). You can increase the timer refresh rate from the "Settings->System->Timer" menu item. A timer refresh of 5ms is sufficient for most of these types of applications.


Emulated Hardware : Memory

I'm wondering about EMS and XMS...do you support it? I have some applications that make extensive use of higher memory and I'm wondering how to make it work.

PocketDOS does not support XMS (this requires a protected mode processor and PocketDOS only emulates a 80186 processor). It does support EMS though. The EMS support can be enabled by editing the B:\CONFIG.SYS file on v1.03 and earlier, or by setting the amount of EMS memory in the "Settings->Memory" menu item in v1.04 and later.


I can't get HIMEM.SYS or EMM386.EXE to work. What is the problem?

HIMEM.SYS and EMM386.EXE are not compatible with PocketDOS. You can adjust the memory settings from the "Settings->Memory" menu option.


A program suggests 64K of expanded memory for data, and 368K of expanded memory for the program. Can you help me with this configuration?

You can adjust the expanded (EMS) memory settings from the "Settings->Memory" menu option.


Emulated Hardware : Keys and Input Devices

Is there any way to type Control-F1 or Alt-F1 in PocketDOS? The Turbo C that I've installed seems to require it.

You can enter Control-F1 by pressing the "Windows" key, the "Control" key and the numeric "1" key simultaneously. Similarly Alt-F1 can be simulated by pressing "Windows" key, "Alt" key and numeric "1" key simultaneously.


I have a dos app that requires the F11 and F12 keys which seem to be unavailable in Pocket DOS. Anyway of adding these keys?

These keys are available by configuring the onscreen keyboard to display them (H/PC and H/PC Pro only). You can configure the onscreen keyboard from the "Settings->Keyboard" menu option. With a Handheld PC device these keys are displayed at the bottom of the display. On a Palm-sized or Pocket PC you can switch the onscreen keyboard in function key mode by pressing the