Installing and running DOS Programs in Win XP - Tech Support Forums

task_mgr · October 17th, 2004, 09:34 PM

I have attempted to install and run MS DOS Program in Win XP with no luck. I have installed directly on a CD but still can't run the application. I have gone thru the properties, compatibility folder, trying to run in Win 95 mode, 256 colors and 640x480 resolution with no luck at all.
What I do get is the uncompatible environment and also Runtime error messages. Must I have to edit the autoexec and configsys files? The program runs well in Win 98, but I need it to work on XP.

John Prophet · October 17th, 2004, 10:21 PM

Welcome to the forum!

it might not work on WinXP cuz XP doesnt have a real DOS mode like Win98 did

what is the program? does it say it will work in Xp or does it have a website etc?

JP

blubomber · October 17th, 2004, 10:42 PM

Are you trying to install the program or just trying to run it? It is also possible that it may just not work with XP. But, i have gotten the original Doom game to work on an XP computer, so it is possible.

You also may want to look into setting up the Autoexec.nt and config.nt files. If you can find out what the program needs.

Welcome to TechIMO!!

FatalException · October 17th, 2004, 10:56 PM

You could continue trying to get it to work in Windows' DOS emulator, or you could use a real DOS emulator: http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/ . You can download it free from that website. It offers configuration options for everything from amount of RAM it reports to its programs to color depth, sound card emulation, processor speed adjustment to slow down the emulator so old DOS games run at an appropriate speed, etc. Be sure to read the readme.txt file and install instructions before saying it doesn't work - I have used it for running some of the most tempermental games and DOS programs that no other emulator would handle. If it doesn't work, it's more likely a case of misconfiguration than that the emulator can't handle it.

mazlo · November 1st, 2004, 01:34 PM

I am a novice. I have installed xp on one of a two computer network. Other remains 98se as it runs two necessary dos programs. Dos programs can be seen on the xp machine but not in a full window. One program has a screen saver, and after the six minute wait the screen goes into effect and full screen appears. A pain to wait, but it works. The other proram is written in Foxpro (tells you how old the program is) and works like a charm BUT only seen as a small window in Xp. Tried alt/enter without luck. Tried to change the video card without luck. What can i do to get the dos programs (which work) to view as a full screen? Mine eyes have bugged.

John Prophet · November 1st, 2004, 01:52 PM

Welcome to the forum!

can you right click on the link or whatever to the dos program and look for "compatability" or some other settings to change to get a full screen?

JP

apctek · June 21st, 2008, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Prophet

Welcome to the forum!

it might not work on WinXP cuz XP doesnt have a real DOS mode like Win98 did

what is the program? does it say it will work in Xp or does it have a website etc?

JP

Windows 98 did not have REAL DOS as you put it, Dos was only in win 3x and 95. Windows 98 and after are emulated only.

apctek · June 21st, 2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Prophet

Welcome to the forum!

it might not work on WinXP cuz XP doesnt have a real DOS mode like Win98 did

what is the program? does it say it will work in Xp or does it have a website etc?

JP

Sorry but;
Windows 98 did not have REAL DOS as you put it, Dos was only in win 3x and 95. Windows 98 and after are emulated only.

apctek · June 21st, 2008, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by task_mgr

I have attempted to install and run MS DOS Program in Win XP with no luck. I have installed directly on a CD but still can't run the application. I have gone thru the properties, compatibility folder, trying to run in Win 95 mode, 256 colors and 640x480 resolution with no luck at all.
What I do get is the uncompatible environment and also Runtime error messages. Must I have to edit the autoexec and configsys files? The program runs well in Win 98, but I need it to work on XP.

the best way is to install Virtual PC and install 95 or 98 to run the program.

ShyguyXPC · June 21st, 2008, 10:32 PM

you do realize your responding to a thread that was last posted to over 3.5 years ago?

also as FatalException pointed out, DOSbox is a another way to run DOS programs on WinXP as well... just incase they don't have an old copy of Win95 or 98 to run in VirtualPC 2004 or 2007.