Learn MS-DOS (Part 4) - System Information Commands in MS-DOS

🖥 Introduction

In the last part, we learned how to copy, move, rename, and delete files. Now, let’s shift gears. Before you manage files or run programs, sometimes you need to know what your system is doing. How much memory is free? What’s the computer’s date and time? Which version of DOS is running?

That’s where system information commands come in. These commands give you insights about your computer’s hardware, memory, and settings. Think of them as the dashboard gauges of your car — they don’t drive the car, but they show you what’s happening under the hood.

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🔹 1. VER – Display Version

Purpose: Shows the version of DOS you’re running.

Syntax:

VER

Example:

C:\>VER
MS-DOS Version 6.22

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🔹 2. VOL – Display Disk Volume Label and Serial Number

Purpose: Displays the disk’s label (name) and serial number.

Syntax:

VOL [drive:]

Examples:

VOL

Shows volume info for the current drive.

VOL D:

Shows volume info for drive D.

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🔹 3. DATE – Display or Change Date

Purpose: Displays the system date and lets you set a new one.

Syntax:

DATE [/T]

Examples:

DATE

Displays current date and asks for a new one. Press Enter to keep the same.

DATE /T

Displays the current date only (no prompt).

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🔹 4. TIME – Display or Change Time

Purpose: Displays the system time and lets you set a new one.

Syntax:

TIME [/T]

Examples:

TIME

Displays current time and asks for a new one.

TIME /T

Displays time only (no prompt).

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🔹 5. CHKDSK – Check Disk

Purpose: Checks the status of a disk and displays a report on file system errors and disk space.

Syntax:

CHKDSK [drive:] [path] [filename] [/F] [/V]

Options:

• /F → Fixes errors on the disk

• /V → Displays all file names during check

Example:

CHKDSK C: /F

Checks the C drive and fixes errors automatically.

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🔹 6. MEM – Display Memory Usage

Purpose: Shows how system memory is being used (conventional, extended, and expanded memory).

Syntax:

MEM [options]

Examples:

MEM

Displays memory usage summary.

MEM /C

Shows memory details by program.

MEM /F

Displays free memory details.

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🔹 7. MODE – Configure System Devices

Purpose: Configures system devices like COM ports, printers, and display settings.

Syntax:

MODE [device] [options]

Examples:

MODE

Displays current system settings.

MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1

Configures COM1 port with baud rate 9600, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit.

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🔹 8. SYSTEMINFO (Windows CMD only)

Purpose: While not a true MS-DOS command, in modern Windows CMD you can use systeminfo to display full system details like OS version, manufacturer, processor, and memory.

Syntax:

SYSTEMINFO

Example:

C:\>SYSTEMINFO

Displays system details in a detailed list.

(Not available in pure DOS, but useful for learners practicing in CMD today.)

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🧰 Bonus Tips

• Use VER first to check your DOS version before testing advanced commands.

• CHKDSK and MEM are especially useful for troubleshooting.

• On modern Windows, systeminfo is a great extension of the old DOS philosophy.

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✅ Conclusion

System information commands are like your computer’s health report. They tell you what version of DOS you’re using, how much memory is free, and whether your disk is healthy. These commands don’t change your system directly, but they give you the knowledge to act smarter.

👉 Coming next: Part 5 – Disk & Storage Commands where we’ll dive into FORMAT, DISKCOPY, LABEL, and more.