config.sys and autoexec.bat in Win98

[teemro]

Hi folks...

Anyone have an explanation why, when I run DOS, is it that config.sys and autoexec.bat are empty? When I type 'edit config.sys' (and the same of autoexec.bat), all I get is a big blue and very empty screen.

Thanks now,

[reboot]

You don't need autoexec or config in 98.
They're only there to load stuff if you need CD-ROM support or sound support in true DOS (not "restart in DOS mode").

[stylin19]

Not sure i understand your question. Are the files empty when you look at them in win98?

what do you expect to see in the files ?

neither of those files need to be populated for Win98 to run.

nor are they needed to run DOS, tho you lose some functionality.. if you don't have things like cdrom device/drivers loaded etc..you have no access to the cdrom.
and you may not be able to play dos games, depending on how much conventional/ems/xms memory is needed.

[KHT]

When booted to W98, run msconfig, you will be able to view the config.sys and autoexec.bat files.

Also, run sysedit to view\edit

In DOS, you may have been in the wrong directory to edit\view either. They reside on the root of C:\

True, either are needed to run W98 but Ive yet to see a system that doesn`t have some sort of entry for a device or software setting in one or the other.

[teemro]

I was just under the impression that these files were vital to the operation of all OSes.

This came about because I was reading about them, and that I am having a problem running a CD/RW. It worked ok when first installed, but then when I ran the software again it failed to operate, and I figured that maybe something was not being loaded at startup, ie in autoexec.bat.

I guess I'm getting unnecessarily mixed up.

[reboot]

Nope, only DOS, Win 3.x and 95a needed an autoexec and config.
95b and up do not. You can safely delete them.

[teemro]

Darn, just when I thought there was something i could fiddle with!

Thanks reboot et al.