Running an MS DOS based program on XP

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Guest

I've just got a program that is designed to run in DOS. It worked fine
yesterday but now when I open it the black screen appears for a second and
then dissapears. Why is this happening? I have one other similar program that
does the same thing.

Help.
 
Hi, Laury.

HOW are you trying to run it? From the Run prompt? Or in a "DOS" window?
Or...?

Some MS-DOS programs won't run at all in WinXP, but most will. Since it
"worked fine yesterday", yours is obviously not one of those. If you
mention the name of the program, someone here might recognize it and have
some tips for you.

RC
 
Hi,

Hit ctrl+shift+escape, go to the processes tab and kill any instances of
wowexec.exe and ntvdm.exe. Then close and retry running the DOS software.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
I have a client that recently upgraded to XP Pro. There inventory control
program is DOS based. When the program is launched NTVDM executes and the
CPU goes to 99% locking up most other functions including printing. Ideas?
Thanks.
 
In Ed P <[email protected]> had this to say:

My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:
I have a client that recently upgraded to XP Pro. There inventory
control program is DOS based. When the program is launched NTVDM
executes and the CPU goes to 99% locking up most other functions
including printing. Ideas? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Besides recommending that they upgrade to a new inventory application? DOS
doesn't really exist in XP but rather is mostly emulated. There's a few
different compatability tools that you could try if you wanted but I'd avoid
that if I were you as they're not always that effective.

DOSBox, a x86 emulator with DOS:
http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/

That tool's got a small learning curve but manages DOS in XP quite nicely.

Galen
--

"My mind rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me
the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis, and I am
in my own proper atmosphere. I can dispense then with artificial
stimulants. But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for
mental exaltation." -- Sherlock Holmes
 
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