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MS-DOS (x86)

DOS icon DOS logo

Overview

DOS is the platform that brought PC gaming to life. REG-Linux treats it as the pc system group and supports multiple DOSBox variants so you can run everything from floppy-era arcades to CD-based shooters on modern hardware.

Quick reference

  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/dos
  • Accepted formats: .pc, .dos, .zip, .dosz, .squashfs, .m3u, .iso, .cue
  • Emulators: DOSBox (standalone), DOSBox Staging, DOSBox-X, libretro: DOSBox_Pure

ROM layout

Place each game in its own subfolder named with a .pc/.dos extension (e.g. /.../WackyWheels.pc/) and include a dosbox.bat that launches the executable (MP.EXE). Some emulators also accept zipped folders—rename .zip to .dosz for DOSBox_Pure integration or .d.zip if you want to mount it as a virtual CD.

VL-ROMs with long filenames may need DOS-friendly names (longfi~1.iso) when referenced from .cue/.bat files; rename files and edit cues to keep everything consistent.

Emulators

DOSBox (standalone)

The classic DOSBox emulator gives the most authentic experience but requires per-game setup. Use your game folder’s dosbox.bat and optional dosbox.cfg to define mounts, cycles, mapper files and custom options. Press Ctrl+F9 to quit.

DOSBox Staging

A user-friendly fork that keeps the traditional DOSBox feel while adding modern conveniences. It uses the same folder structure as DOSBox but eases configuration.

DOSBox-X

A hybrid that can emulate Windows 3.x/9x while still running older DOS games. Use it if you require advanced multimedia or Windows-era features.

DOSBox_Pure (libretro)

The libretro port automates much of the setup: point it to the game folder and it prompts for the executable, configures input, and handles fast-forward, multi-disk .m3u playlists and cartridge/tape/disk abstractions.

ES setting name REG-Linux.conf_key Description => ES option key_value
global.pure_cpu_type Choose a CPU profile (386, 486, Pentium, etc.).
global.pure_cycles Tune the emulated cycle count for speed/accuracy.
global.pure_memory_size Set RAM size (4 MB to 1.2 GB).
global.pure_machine Pick a graphics adapter (SVGA, VGA, CGA, Tandy).
global.pure_keyboard_layout Set the physical keyboard layout (US, UK, FR, etc.).
global.pure_savestate Enable savestate/rewind support.
global.pure_joystick_analog_deadzone Adjust joystick deadzone for drifting sticks.
global.pure_controllerN_dosbox_pure Assign controller emulation profile (Gamepad, Keyboard, Flightstick).

Setup tips

  • Keep a dosbox.bat in every game folder that issues the needed MOUNT, IMG, C: and RUN commands. Example: imgmount d CD\HALO2.ISO -t iso c: cd WACKY WW.EXE
  • Place custom dosbox.cfg alongside dosbox.bat to override graphics, mapper or performance settings without affecting other games. The [autoexec] section should be mirrored in the batch file (DOSBox config uses forward slashes; the batch file uses Windows paths). mapper.map files can be created in-game via Ctrl+F1.
  • Use tools like ExoDOSConverter to convert large collections into REG-Linux-friendly folders.

MIDI and soundfonts

DOSBox variants and DOSBox_Pure support MIDI devices. Drop .sf2 SoundFont files into /userdata/bios/ and configure midiconfig in your dosbox.cfg (midiconfig = 20:0). For DOSBox_Pure, select the MIDI device inside the core’s Audio settings.

Controls

Most DOS games expect keyboard input. Use RETROPAD-to-keyboard mapping (Pad2Key) if you prefer controllers. The Gravis PC Gamepad layout (colored buttons) is often referenced by older titles, so the pad mapping mimics that color-coded interface.

Troubleshooting

  • Ratio problems: toggle aspect=false/aspect=true in the config depending on your monitor.
  • Joystick drift: try timed=true or adjust deadzones in Pure.
  • Mapper issues: set buttonwrap=false to avoid button IDs wrapping around.
  • CD drive errors: rename .iso/.bin files to DOS-friendly names (no special characters) and update .cue references accordingly.
  • Mounting fails: use absolute paths with mount, or rely on DOSBox’s imgmount command instead.
  • Need to quit quickly: press Ctrl+F9 in any DOSBox.
  • Disk swapping: press [HOTKEY]+[L1/L2] or use RetroArch’s Disc Control menu when using .m3u playlists.