Windows XP and DOS programs

kleefarr

Does anyone run dos programs in their winxp? Did you have any problems running them?
I am going to try running a dos program on a pc tomorrow and would like a heads up of things that may happen and what I can do about it, if possible?

Thanks,

Kevin

aidan_walsh

What program?

kleefarr

It's a veterinary program, VMS.

Karoma

The Program Compatibility Wizard has it's limits. That is all.

kleefarr

Karoma wrote:

The Program Compatibility Wizard has it's limits. That is all.

Um, not heard of that. Could you expand some more?

Kevin

aidan_walsh

Create a shortcut to your executable (not batch files). Right click on it and go to Properties, and click the Compatability tab.

EDIT: Turns out you can click directly on the EXE too.

Karoma

Right-click on the program/installation file -> Properties -> Compatibility -> you have options there to disable some XP-specific stuff,and to try emulate previous Windows versions. (Otherwise, Start menu->Programs->Accessories -> Program Compatibility Wizard)

It really does depend on the application to be honest. It may not run at all.. impossible to say. Check the software co.'s website / google..

kleefarr

OK lads, thanks.

daywalker

kleefarr wrote:

Does anyone run dos programs in their winxp? Did you have any problems running them?
I am going to try running a dos program on a pc tomorrow and would like a heads up of things that may happen and what I can do about it, if possible?

Thanks,

Kevin

Could also try DosBox
http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/information.php?page=0

aidan_walsh

DosBox can be very, very fickle about what it will run though. The results between different applications can differ an awful lot.

kleefarr

I tried out the compatibility thing, even followed 4 pages of tips and tricks from the microsoft site. Nothing.
Have been looking into the DOSbox solution. Read up on it a a DOSbox forum and it was suggested that I use DOSBox CSV and load windows 3.1 into it. That would be the best way to run the program. Windows 3.1!:eek:

Anybody done this yet? Where do I find a copy of Windows 3.1?

I think I have some old floppies somewhere, If I remember correctly, that had some sort of windows dos label on. Um.

rogue-entity

I have a copy of Windows 3.11 (I think it is 3.11), my uncle had it on his PC before he upgraded to Win95. I can get the disks off him but I do not know if I would be allowed to send you a copy of the disk images to use (I wont be able to post the disks), it is probably illegal as I am not sure about the EULA on that particular software. AFAIK, Win3.1(1) never required a licence key to install. I will look into it if you wish.

XP's compatibility mode only applies to 32-bit executables. 16-bit code (DOS or Windows) isn't affected by any of the options (except the 256 colours and 640x480 resolution settings).

By the way, MS-DOS support is limited to version 5.00 in all NT-based versions of Windows, including XP.