Transcribing the Source of the First DOS for the IBM PC
Software archaeologists are transcribing printed source code listings of early DOS versions, including 86-DOS 1.00 and early MS-DOS and PC-DOS builds, contributed by original developer Tim Paterson. The printouts, which include handwritten notes, are being converted into functional source code for preservation and compilation. The project is publicly accessible on GitHub, with scanned documents hosted on Archive.org and contributions welcomed from the community.
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Transcribing The Source Of The First DOS For The IBM PC No comments by: Maya Posch April 30, 2026 Title: Copy Short Link: Copy Doing software archaeology can be a harrowing task, as rarely do you find complete snapshots of particular versions of software. Case in point the development of MS-DOS – also known as IBM PC DOS – from 86-DOS, which recently got a lucky break in the form of printed source listings. These printouts come courtesy of [Tim Paterson], the creator of 86-DOS and of MS-DOS during his time working for Microsoft. These code listings contain the sources of the 86-DOS 1.00 kernel, multiple development snapshots, and also listings for utilities like CHKDSK.
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