Keyboard Interface Not Available for MS-DOS Based Applications

SYMPTOMS

After you create a Program Information File (PIF) for COMMAND.COM or CMD.EXE, an MS-DOS based application, such as EDIT.COM, that is run from AUTOEXEC.NT does not have access to the keyboard interface. Keyboard strokes made during the execution of the MS-DOS based application are displayed after you exit the application. The mouse interface still works correctly.

If you run the same PIF without the MS-DOS based application in AUTOEXEC.NT and load the application from the command prompt (either COMMAND.COM or CMD.EXE), this problem does not occur.