OLD 32-bit app to run in x64 win 7 - how would you do this?

[16k_zx81]

A customer of mine has an old app from 1995 he wants to run in Windows 7 x64

I quickly ran it through a virtualization setup (cameyo) but it chokes. (the standalone it made will not work in x86 either)

I realise this is not the ideal software for the job but didnt want to spend a lot of time in the first instance.

Have tried compatibility modes, but no joy.

Could not find anything on Google for this app.

Dont really want to run it in a virtual OS if I can avoid it because it adds the OS cost to the job, plus Im kinda keen to make it work from a technical perspective.

I feel like I have covered the basics but dont have much experience with software virtualization

How would you go about this? Would VMware Thinapp be a better choice? - can it make a transition from old x86 to x64?

What would you do?

 

[RichmondTech]

I would definitely try out VirtualBox. I can run a client OS within my Windows 7 laptop with no problem. I don't think the resource hit will be as bad as you think.

Only other thing I could think of is Anytime Upgrade to Win7 Professional to get XP Mode, but that again uses virtualization.

 

[parker.casey]

You mentioned Windows 7 x64... but you didn't say what edition. If you're using Ultimate, the answer is already there. Windows XP Mode! It uses Microsoft VirtualPC, and your Windows 7 Ultimate license covers it. I do believe it'd be ideal for you.

 

[DCGPX]

I would definitely try out VirtualBox. I can run a client OS within my Windows 7 laptop with no problem. I don't think the resource hit will be as bad as you think.

Only other thing I could think of is Anytime Upgrade to Win7 Professional to get XP Mode, but that again uses virtualization.

I'd try XP mode as well , yes it's still virtualisation but I'd think it was more compatible, what is the app and does the company still exist to ask


www.tornadopc.com

 

[16k_zx81]

I would definitely try out VirtualBox.

I think I stated in my original post the reason I prefer not to go the route of a virtual OS.

 

[16k_zx81]

You mentioned Windows 7 x64... but you didn't say what edition. If you're using Ultimate, the answer is already there. Windows XP Mode! It uses Microsoft VirtualPC, and your Windows 7 Ultimate license covers it. I do believe it'd be ideal for you.

Its not Ultimate, so it wont work in this instance, but I was not aware of it including a license, and no doubt knowing that will come in handy! Thanks

This means I need to push on with plan A (software virtualization)

 

[16k_zx81]

Apologies for the lack of clarity.

The original post is asking about software virtualization, not "operating system virtualization".

The reference to VMware was to Thinapp ("thinapp" added to original post for clarity).

 

[dbdawn]

For software virtualizatoin, the only product that has any type of support is VMware's Thinapp. I think it is quite pricey though

 

[Rosco]

what about vmware player it is free i believe...

another idea.... i have gotten a lot of legacy apps to work like this(view pic) my favorite games are 15 plus years old. thats how i got them to work.

 

[fabs]

Hi,

Windows XP mode works with Win7 business too, not just ultimate.
Otherwise, VMware player runs great, try the "unity" feature. I had to use this for a customer and an old app that did not run another way.

 

[16k_zx81]

To clarify again, this is not a question about OS virtualization.

Its about application virtualization. Different kettle of fish.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Give DosBox a shot?
Since you said 1995...it's probably 16 bit, not 32 bit.
Might let you get it installed (since the 16 bit installer may be what's stopped you...I haven't seen what your exact error/issue is)...and from there Win7 compatibility mode would allow it to run fine.

 

[thebige]

Although not ideal, have you tried turning off the additional cores to make it a single core? The biggest problem is showing your client how I enable and disable them and having to restart the pc. However it may save from having to virtualize an additional instance of windows.

 

[kevinjhaag]

It may work in Thinapp. Do you have VMWare Thinapp? Only way to find out is try it.

 

[mein]

I've had great success with Tao Exdos. Excellent for just this situation and great support

 

[dronzer]

or u can try virtual pc new concept of xp mode for windows 7

https://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/default.aspx

 

[codegreen]

Heh. I thought about running Wine on Windows, but it's just too much work and far too hack-ish to deploy as a production solution. Also, it's too ridiculous.

Is there anything odd about the application that might interfere with app virtualization? Does it need a device driver?

You might try AppZero. They have a version for Windows desktop app virtualization. I've never used it before, but there's a free trial available. However, I suspect that this option will be more expensive than buying a Windows XP license. In the end, you may have to bite the bullet and just virtualize WinXP.

EDIT: Hey, you wouldn't even have to run Windows XP. Given the age of the application, Windows 95 would do the trick. You can buy Windows 95 with COA for much cheaper than an XP license. I think I even have a legal copy with media and COA around the shop I could send you, should your efforts to virtualize the app fall flat.

 

[Omnicef]

+1 for DosBox. I use it for old 16-bit versions of Lacerte. It works well. If you use a gui frontend, it is easy to use.

 

[codegreen]

+1 for DosBox. I use it for old 16-bit versions of Lacerte. It works well. If you use a gui frontend, it is easy to use.

Guys, 16k has already explained that this is a 32-bit Windows application. DosBox is not a sensible suggestion.

 

[dbdawn]

Don't know how well BoxedApp works but you can take a look if you want.

BoxedApp


My opinion is this. For the amount of time you will spend trying to find a solution that might not work reliably, you would be better off upgrading to a version of Windows 7 that supports XP Mode (via Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade), or you could install the free VMWare Player with Windows XP and use the Unity feature of VMWare.

Both of those options will work well, both will cost some money, but I think it would be better than trying to find an application virtualization solution that does not cost around $5K.