What is autoexec.dat?

Autoexec.dat (autoexec.bat) is a batch file that is executed automatically by the operating system during the startup process. It is typically used in MS-DOS and Windows operating systems to run various commands and programs that need to be executed each time the computer is started.

The autoexec.dat file contains a series of commands that are executed in order, such as setting environment variables, loading device drivers, and launching applications. This file can be edited using a text editor, allowing users to customize the startup process of their system.

While autoexec.dat was widely used in older versions of DOS and Windows, its usage has decreased in modern operating systems. However, it can still be found in some legacy systems and can still be used to automate certain tasks during the startup process.