patcher9x - all-in-one patch for numerous issues that prevent 9x from being used on newer computers, including in VMs. Note that as of 0.9.91, you have to use patch9x -unselect mem on Win95 RTM ~ OSR 2.1, because using the memory patch would cause it to stay on the boot screen forever.

By default you cannot use pure MS-DOS 8.0. Various methods are available to patch the system to restore that ability:

• geocities mfd4life_2000
• multiple patches are linked on mdgx.com
• TPC-WinMe-DOSMODE by YouTube channel "THE PHINTAGE COLLECTOR"

There are also some pre-made installation disks of MS-DOS 8.0:

• retrosware/dos8 on GitHub
• dos8-instdisk
• ms-dos-8_202102 by YouTube channel "Adventures in Nostalgia"
• ms-dos-8_202103 (same file as above)
• on CrustyWindows (same file as above)
• DOS80CDUEN on archive.org (though I have my doubts as to whether it's really made by the China DOS Union, as I can't find any info in Chinese)
• ms-dos-8.0-disk
• MS-DOS-8.00-Installation
• ms-dos-8.00-boot-disk

Other related info:

• http://www.multiboot.ru/DOS8_Patch.htm
• http://www.multiboot.ru/msdos8.htm