Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft DOS => Topic started by: michaeloppen on December 16, 2009, 10:06:28 PM

Title: Windows 7 won't recognize my old DOS programs
Post by: michaeloppen on December 16, 2009, 10:06:28 PM

I suppose it was inevitable, but my new Windows 7 won't load Multimate or my Nutshell Database which I've used since the 80s. The error message suggests I contact the software manufacturer for a program compatible with 64 bits, but it's been out of business for twenty years. Does anyone have a suggestion? 

Title: Re: Windows 7 won't recognize my old DOS programs
Post by: Allan on December 17, 2009, 06:01:53 AM

One of the drawbacks to a 64 bit OS is it's inability to work and play well with some old apps. You can try running them in the various compatibility modes or a virtual machine, but in the end 64 bit is not as friendly as 32 bit.

Title: Re: Windows 7 won't recognize my old DOS programs
Post by: BC_Programmer on December 17, 2009, 04:52:15 PM

Quote from: Allan on December 17, 2009, 06:01:53 AM

One of the drawbacks to a 64 bit OS is it's inability to work and play well with some old apps. You can try running them in the various compatibility modes or a virtual machine, but in the end 64 bit is not as friendly as 32 bit.

Replace$(Quote,"friendly","Backward compatible",vbtextcompare)

Title: Re: Windows 7 won't recognize my old DOS programs
Post by: Allan on December 17, 2009, 04:59:42 PM

Okay, this time you lost me.

Title: Re: Windows 7 won't recognize my old DOS programs
Post by: BC_Programmer on December 17, 2009, 05:20:12 PM

 :P

replace the word "friendly" with "backward compatible". Windows X64 isn't as backward compatible as the 32-bit versions. It only allows for running programs that are a mere 15 years old or so.

Title: Re: Windows 7 won't recognize my old DOS programs
Post by: Geek-9pm on December 17, 2009, 06:20:38 PM

Wait. If you have a very old program you may not be concerned about speed.
So why not just run it in a vertebral machine?
Cant you do that will old DOS binaries?

EDIT; My Bad. I just read this the other day and forgot it.

Quote

Versions of Windows NT for 64-bit architectures (x64 and IA-64) do not include the NTVDM and are unable to run DOS or 16-bit Windows applications. This is because an x86-64 CPU in its full 64-bit mode cannot go to virtual mode without a hard reset. Virtual mode is not part of the x64 specification; the CPU needs to be running in x86 mode.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_DOS_machine