MacDOS file
File type: Miscellaneous file
A MacDOS file belongs to MacDOS, a command-line interface for Macintosh computers.
Found 2 different file type records with the same mdos filename suffix.
File type category:
Miscellaneous file
Date updated: September 23, 2026
MacDOS provided a command-line interface for the Macintosh.
Open the file with the original MacDOS software on a compatible Macintosh system.
If the file is still needed, access it with the original MacDOS software and recreate its contents in a format supported by modern software.
File type category:
Miscellaneous file
Date updated: September 23, 2026
Apple File Exchange was an Apple application for copying files and directories between Macintosh, ProDOS, and MS-DOS file systems. It could also convert files between supported formats and transliterate their characters between character sets.
An .mdos file belongs to the MS-DOS side of this process. Its contents were handled by Apple File Exchange rather than by a modern standalone application.
Apple File Exchange runs on classic Macintosh computers that support double-sided disks. Reading and writing MS-DOS disks requires a Macintosh with a SuperDrive. The application is not compatible with operating systems released after System 7.1; PC Exchange provided similar file-translation capabilities on later classic Mac OS versions.
Open an .mdos file with Apple File Exchange on a compatible classic Macintosh. The file is normally handled as part of an AFE file-transfer operation, rather than opened as a conventional document.
Apple File Exchange requires a Macintosh that supports double-sided disks, and MS-DOS disk access requires a SuperDrive. It does not run on operating systems beyond System 7.1.
Apple File Exchange can copy the associated data between Macintosh, ProDOS, and MS-DOS file systems, convert it between supported file formats, and transliterate its characters between character sets.
On a compatible classic Macintosh, use Apple File Exchange to perform the required transfer or translation.
Language