Running an old dos app

['putertutor]

Currently my client has an mission critical dos program running on a win95 desktop. This machine is running well right not, but its still over a decade old. A current version of the software runs into 5 digits, so an upgrade is not their first, second, or third option.

They are also at the point where they want to upgrade all their machines. I would like to get to win7, but the only way I can see it working with the existing dos program is with a vm. Any suggestions?

I found this post but the op never posted an outcome. Love to know if that worked out or not.

 

[Xander]

Trying to run it in a VM costs you nothing to attempt. Seems like a no-brainer to give it a shot.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

2x options you can try...
*VM....several flavors you can try, but P2V that Win95 install into a VM.
*Try to get the DOS app working in Windows XP....and do Windows XP mode in Windows 7
*As I and probably others suggested in that thread you linked, play with that app inside of DosBox. You will probably have to spend some time learning how to get some odd apps running in DosBox...but it can be very useful for those old apps.

 

[Boston Pro Comp Serv LLC]

I would have said Dos box too.

 

[codegreen]

Besides DosBox (which would be the first thing I try) and the standard VM software, you can look at:

* QEMU running FreeDOS or MS-DOS (Windows binaries linked here)
* JPC (Java x86 emulator) running FreeDOS via a web browser
* DOSEMU on a Linux system (a Raspberry Pi could easily fill the role)
* Hey, speaking of the Raspberry Pi... rpix86 is a DOS emulator specifically designed for the Pi.

Whether or not any of these options would work depends on the DOS application and what exactly it does. If it needs to interface with a piece of equipment (via serial port, say) things get a little more complicated.

 

[brandonkick]

another vote for DosBox

 

[Jos Schaars]

You have to be careful with DosBox. Its file system is not suited for multi user programs.
But you could try vDos. It’s based upon DosBox, only running on Windows XP and later. Focused on non-gaming, serious programs. Addressing some shortcomings like screen display, file system, printing.

I cannot post URL’s, but you can google on “Windows 64 bit - DOS - YouTube”. In the video you find the link for downloading it.

Unzip vDos.7z to a (new) folder (vDos?).
Start vDos.exe.
It should launch DataPerfect Test Drive 2.3 to confirm it’s running.

Close it.
Copy your Dos application folder to the vDos folder.
Edit the autoexec.txt file:
Line 18: “cd dptest” -> “cd <your dos foldername>”
Line 21: “dpt” -> “<your dos application>”

Start vDos.exe, it should now launch your application.
If all goes well, you can create a shortcut to vDos.exe on your desktop.
Eventually set in properties start minimized for a nicer startup.