Can I start DBAN from DOS or a compilation?

Yes.

The best way to start DBAN from DOS is with the LOADLIN program. (The link points to our mirror.)

Copy the kernel.bzi and initrd.gz files from the DBAN floppy disk to a DOS filesystem and run this command:

loadlin kernel.bzi initrd=initrd.gz root=/dev/ram0 init=/rc nuke="dwipe"

You can put this command in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Do not change the forward-slash characters to back-slash characters. Note that DBAN cannot return to DOS.

LOADLIN alternatives are Syslinux and GRUB.