Can I work on a DOS program on a system that has Windows XP?

Question

We still have an old 286 that we run a farm software program on (which is not available in Windows version and the software manufacture is no longer around). It is a great program that we have been running since 1987 and we wish to continue using it. Is there a way to get to DOS on a system with Windows XP? If so, how is this done? The old Windows software (I think it was Windows 95) used to have an 'exit to DOS' button. If it is not possible, which is the last Windows software that has easy access to DOS to run DOS software?

gator6x4 · Answer

I use the following to get to the DOS prompt.   1. Click on -  Start.   2. Click on -  Run   3. Enter  - CMD   4. Click on - OK   You may also want to read an article by Micrtosoft on using DOS programs in Windows XP at:   http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314106 Message Edited by gator6x4 on 11-10-200609:28 AM

Joybell · Answer

Thanks, I had a quick read on that Microsoft page. It is difficult for me to understand, but it looks like I will have to dig out our old Compaq P1 with Windows 95 that is nicely packed away in the attic waiting to become an antique!

fireberd · Answer

Windows XP is not DOS based like the older operting systems were.  There is a DOS emulator - that was referred to above but it's not a full DOS support.   Your old PC is the best option since it fully supports DOS.  Whatever program you have, you need to look around for something similar or that will work for you, for Windows XP.

Joybell · Answer

We looked at several software packages last winter and none of the Windows based software has all of the options that our old DOS software has. More bells and whistles, yes, but much less practical information for our dairy herd.   So......other than dragging down the old Compaq from the attic, do you think I could have Windows 95 installed in the Latitude C800? Would that work under the present BIOS?

rickmktg · Answer

Joybell wrote:

We looked at several software packages last winter and none of the Windows based software has all of the options that our old DOS software has. More bells and whistles, yes, but much less practical information for our dairy herd.

So......other than dragging down the old Compaq from the attic, do you think I could have Windows 95 installed in the Latitude C800? Would that work under the present BIOS?

I suggest that you copy the program to your computer to a folder like C:\FarmProgram, exit to the Command Prompt, then navigate to the folder and attempt to run the program. If it runs, you can then create a menu item that executes it. No harm in trying.

I run WordStar, pre-Windows, on my machine this way. Well, it runs, I don't use it though. Also, I have the ability to run old Managing your Money DOS program this way. Give it a try.

RoHe · Answer

If the old DOS program runs under Windows 95, you might try to set XP to emulate 95 and try to run the program. I had some old DOS programs that worked when I first fot my system with XPproSP2, but after one of the Microsoft updates, they didn't work again. So it's hard to predict if yours will work in 95 emulation mode or not.

Ron

Windows General

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