16-bit DOS on Windows Vista+

16-bit DOS on Windows Vista+

I have a friend that uses some really old business software and for whatever reason doesn't want to check out a new version (if one even exists, he's in a niche market). The software ran as a 16-bit DOS program and he'd like to upgrade his computer to something running Vista or 7 but still run this software. The machine that's currently running the software appears to be dying so I can't suggest to let him keep running it on that box.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 285

Total answers/comments: 3

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Guest [Entry]

"DOSBox is certainly up to the task; the tricky bit is driving USB printers and/or other peripherals, so it really depends on the software and what it is used for.

If I have to print something from a DOS program, I'll print to file (PRN) in DOSBox and then print it in Windows with PrintFile

PrintFile is freeware."

Guest [Entry]

"This is the purpose of NTVDM. It isn't compatible with all DOS applications though so be sure to try out your particular application on Windows 7 before committing to that approach.

DosBox is another alternative, but is tuned a bit more to games and graphics and less to line of business scenarios than NTVDM. Again, YMMV so try it out and see.

Between these two alternatives, you are likely to find something that works."

Guest [Entry]

I highly recommend an "enhanced" build of DOSBox for anything but games. There's the DOS Megabuild, and what I prefer: the SVN-Daum version of DOSBox from ykhwong.x-y.net/ (installers for Windows, Mac, and Linux are all available there). Using the latter I've been able to print natively from DOS applications, specifically legacy business software.