Dos client connect to Windows 2008 server

Pardon if this has been asked before. I did a search and didnt find an answer. Maybee used the wrong terms. But...
In my factories production floor, we have data collection units running a Netware DOS client (actually a wiped windows machine with no c:\windows directory) to connect to our Netware 4.11 production server. As this server is getting up there in age (older than my HS daughter) we are beginning a slow migration over to Windows AD environment. But since our data collection units utilize a proprietary PCB card to keep track of production revolutions, we cannot totally get rid of them all at one time. The cost would be prohibitive.

So what I need to do is use Netware to autenticate my DOS clients, and run the login script to map a to a folder on the new Windows server. I have tried using:

#NET USE i: \\server-file\applications
#NET USE j: \\server-file\applications\data

And I get an error about the NET program not being found. This is due to NET not being on the machine. I have also tried

map j:=apps:\\server-file\applications\data

But had no luck in it. I have a feeling I am missing something very basic here. Can someone clue me in with a gentle poke from a cattle prod?