"DOS" and prior "Microsoft Works"

  • Thread starter Thread starter Paul Blanchard
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Paul Blanchard

My old computer with "Windows 98" went out. I got a new
computer with "WindosXP". Now I can not find "DOS". Nor
can I read disks with "microsoft Works" created
from "Window98". Can I find software to read my prior
records?
 
Paul said:
My old computer with "Windows 98" went out. I got a new
computer with "WindosXP". Now I can not find "DOS".
Click to expand...


Correct - XP isn't built on DOS - there is a Command Prompt, but this is
*NOT* DOS.


Nor
can I read disks with "microsoft Works" created
from "Window98". Can I find software to read my prior
records?
Click to expand...

This all depends on what software was included with your new system. You
mention records - so I assume we're either talking spreadsheet or database.
Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but, if you have Office (as opposed to
Works) on the new system, then I think Access or Excel (if you have Office
SBE you won't have Access), can only read Works spreadsheet/database files
if they've been saved as CSV (Comma Separated Values) files and *NOT* in
Works native format.

If, OTOH, you have some other office software (WordPerfect Office, Ability
Office, Star Office being just three examples) then the chances of them
reading them are remote.
 
Paul Blanchard said:
My old computer with "Windows 98" went out. I got a new
computer with "WindosXP". Now I can not find "DOS". Nor
can I read disks with "microsoft Works" created
from "Window98". Can I find software to read my prior
records?
Click to expand...

There is no DOS under Windows XP. The closest it comes is a DOS emulator
also referred to as a command prompt. Start> Run [type] CMD <enter> . If
there is something in particular you are trying to accomplish more details
are required.

As for your floppy disks (taking you at your word that you can't read the
disks, as opposed to not being able to open the files) there does seem to be
a problem with XP reading disks formatted on some 9x computers. I've seen
various explanations which are pretty much irrelevant if you're in the
middle of dealing with it. Format some disks in your XP computer, find a 9x
computer to use, copy the files from the old disks to the HDD of the 9x
computer and then onto the newly formatted floppies. They should now be
readable in your new computer.

--
D

I'm not an MVP a VIP nor do I have ESP.
I was just trying to help.
Please use your own best judgment before implementing any suggestions or
advice herein.
No warranty is expressed or implied.
Your mileage may vary.
See store for details. :)

Remove shoes to E-mail.
 
You need to install the works program on your new computer in order to open
the files.
You need to know the version of Works that you were using on your old 98
system. The Works program may have come on your old computer, but it was an
option, not a part of Win98.

HillBillyBuddhist said:
Paul Blanchard said:
My old computer with "Windows 98" went out. I got a new
computer with "WindosXP". Now I can not find "DOS". Nor
can I read disks with "microsoft Works" created
from "Window98". Can I find software to read my prior
records?
Click to expand...

There is no DOS under Windows XP. The closest it comes is a DOS emulator
also referred to as a command prompt. Start> Run [type] CMD <enter> . If
there is something in particular you are trying to accomplish more details
are required.

As for your floppy disks (taking you at your word that you can't read the
disks, as opposed to not being able to open the files) there does seem to be
a problem with XP reading disks formatted on some 9x computers. I've seen
various explanations which are pretty much irrelevant if you're in the
middle of dealing with it. Format some disks in your XP computer, find a 9x
computer to use, copy the files from the old disks to the HDD of the 9x
computer and then onto the newly formatted floppies. They should now be
readable in your new computer.

--
D

I'm not an MVP a VIP nor do I have ESP.
I was just trying to help.
Please use your own best judgment before implementing any suggestions or
advice herein.
No warranty is expressed or implied.
Your mileage may vary.
See store for details. :)

Remove shoes to E-mail.
Click to expand...
 
Paul said:
My old computer with "Windows 98" went out. I got a new
computer with "WindosXP". Now I can not find "DOS". Nor
can I read disks with "microsoft Works" created
from "Window98". Can I find software to read my prior
records?
Click to expand...

http://www.doslife.com/stuff.html Has "abandonware" software: 2 old DOS
versions and a 16-bit Windows version of Works.
HTH,
okg
 
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