When Windows runs a Windows program, it often uses what is known as an
initial file, one that has a .INI suffix. This is also done when Windows runs a
DOS program. Except the initial file becomes a program information file.
These are known as PIF's - their suffix is .PIF.
The important information held in these files is where the program exists,
what conditions it needs to run. For PIF's, there is info about the DOS
window that can make the program more convenient to operate.
Windows will use the standard defaults, if there is not an existing PIF. In
this case, to have Windows make a PIF, go thru the following steps:
1) run the DOS program, under Windows.
2) locate the icon at the far upper left corner of the program's window.
3) click the mouse pointer on it to have a pull down option box appear.
4) from the option box, pick 'properties' to have a 'properties' box appear.
5) pick some options from the menus - 'close on exit' is a very useful one.
6) pick either 'apply' or 'ok' on the 'properties' box to keep the changes.
These procedures will put a PIF in the same directory as is the DOS
program. The program can now be run directly from its PIF.
Important note:
There are files that are disguised as PIF
files. These are the
ones that come in
on e-messages and
are worms or
viruses. A real PIF
is rather small and
is only for DOS
programs. See:
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