# Creating a MS-DOS bootable flash drive

Booting MS-DOS from a USB drive can be useful for applying BIOS updates and other tasks.

### <mark style="color:blue;">Required Tools</mark> <a href="#required-tools" id="required-tools"></a>

* USB flash drive (32GB or smaller)
* A Windows 7/10 PC

### <mark style="color:blue;">Creating the drive</mark> <a href="#creating-the-drive" id="creating-the-drive"></a>

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* Download the Rufus tool from [rufus.ie](https://rufus.ie/)

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* Launch Rufus
* Under “Device” select your USB drive
* Under “Boot selection” choose “FreeDOS”

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* Click START at the bottom of the window

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* Double check you have selected the correct drive and press OK to proceed

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* When the status bar says READY, the process is complete

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* Copy any files you will need in DOS to the flash drive. If you are applying a BIOS update, copy those files now.
* Eject and unplug the flash drive

### <mark style="color:blue;">Booting to the drive</mark> <a href="#booting-to-the-drive" id="booting-to-the-drive"></a>

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* Connect the flash drive to the target PC and power it on. Go into the BIOS (Typically F2/Del/Esc) and set it as the primary boot device.
* On newer systems, it is necessary to enable CSM / legacy boot mode as shown.

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* If successful, you will be greeted with the familiar old DOS prompt.
* Use the dir command to confirm what files are on your USB drive.
* Update .bat files can be executed by typing the filename.