how to automatically run dos program from Vdos

[iand]

I am ashamed to ask this having used Vdos for many years, but have rarely installed it on a new computer.
I have followed what I thought was the right setup to run my program automatically from starting VDOS.
Empty autoexec.txt, add USE c:.\, then C:
As this application is a single program,  the program and data are together in the Vdos folder.
If I then add C:\PROGRAM.EXE, and call Vdos, it just reverts to C:. If I then type PROGRAM, the program then runs.
I have tried all sorts of variations without success, and hope you can help me with whatever stupid thing I have overlooked.
I don't have seniors moments now, they are ancients moments. It must be the COVID, the masks, the lockdowns....
Regards: Ian Macmillan

[Jos]

Did you edit the correct autoexec.txt file?
Eventually add a PAUSE command to check.
Maybe you start vDos by a shortcut with a different Start in directory?

BTW, USE c: .\ doesn’t do anything since the DOS C: drive defaults to the vDos directory.
Neither C:, you are already there.

Jos