share (command)

In computing, share is a command for MS-DOS that allowed software to perform file locks. Locking files became necessary when MS-DOS began allowing files to be accessed simultaneously by multiple programs, either through multitasking or networking.

There were five locking modes:

• Deny None
• Deny Read
• Deny Write
• Deny All
• Compatibility (designed for backward compatibility with existing MS-DOS programs)

The program runs as a Terminate and Stay Resident program and is typically loaded at boot-up.

Syntax

share [/F:space] [/L:locks]

 /F:space Allocates file space (in bytes) for file-sharing information.
 /L:locks Sets the number of files that can be locked at one time.

See also

• List of DOS commands