In MS-DOS disk setup, which command-line switch makes FDISK display the current partition status of your hard disk without invoking interactive changes or writing anything?

Introduction / Context:
FDISK is the classic DOS tool for creating and managing disk partitions. Sometimes you need a safe, read-only look at the existing partition map to document the layout or confirm active partitions without risk of altering anything. DOS provides a simple switch to print the status and then exit immediately.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• You are using MS-DOS or a DOS-compatible FDISK utility.
• Your goal is to view partition information only, not to make changes.
• You prefer a single, noninteractive command that exits after display.

Concept / Approach:
Running FDISK with the /STATUS switch outputs the partition table details, such as drive letter assignments (if applicable), partition types, sizes, and which primary partition is marked active. It then returns to the command prompt without entering the interactive partitioning menu, thereby avoiding any chance of accidental modification.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare FDISK /STATUS output to the information shown by other tools, such as the BIOS setup or third-party partition viewers, to confirm consistency in partition sizes and the active flag.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• /display and /show: Not standard switches for the DOS FDISK utility.
• /part: Not a recognized read-only option in classic DOS.
• None of the above: Incorrect because /STATUS is the documented switch for this purpose.

Common Pitfalls:
Running FDISK without the switch and entering the interactive tool unintentionally, or misreading cylinder-based size displays common in older utilities.

Final Answer:
/status