Windows XP and DOS

  • Thread starter Thread starter Virginia Tucker
  • Start date Start date
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Virginia Tucker

I badly need a new desktop but
hesitate to buy one because I have been told that Windows
XP will not run DOS programs and we have an inventory of
about 20,000 items on the old DOS program IBM Filing and
Reporting Assistant. (We are in the antiques business.)
There is no way we can reenter all of these in another
program even if we found one that fit us as well. Is it
true Windows XP cannot run DOS???
..
 
Dos goes fine with XP, I use many dos program...
But keep an backup of your pc... in case?

Bye
 
Yes it is true that Windows XP can not run in pure DOS however it does an
emulation of DOS. While many DOS programs will run fine on XP there are a
few that will not. Before you run your DOS program just right click on it's
application or the shortcut to the application program. Select
Properties->Compatibility Mode. Select Windows 95 and generally the program
will run.

You might try contacting IBM to see if someone there can answer your
question http://techsupport.services.ibm.com/guides/contacts.html
 
Virginia,

XP (and NT and 2000) actually does have a 16-bit program compatibility and
DOS "emulator" built in. In theory, it should run your application. The only
way to know for sure would be to test it. By a new computer (sounds like you
need one), and set it up side by side with the old one. If you buy a KVM
switch, you can control multiple computers with a single Keyboard,
Video(monitor) and Mouse, which makes for an tidy workspace.

When you have your new machine, try to install your program. Make sure you
buy a computer that includes a floppy disk drive - many don't nowadays.
(Assuming your application is even on 3.5 floppy disks!)

You should consider moving to a more robust application to store your
antique records in. There are many capable, affordable, and feature laden
database-type programs to suit your task. Another compelling reason is the
probable and eventual failure of your current system, and loss of all
records.

That being said, you definitely want to export your current records into a
format that is suitable for import into a new program. With filing
assistant, I believe you can export to ASCII format (CSV would be good too,
but I don't think it's available), which would be suitable to later import
into another program. Use Filing Assistant, go to a search screen and press
F10 or whatever will select all records. Print the records, but print to
disk instead of printer. You might run into problems, and it would be
helpful to have a database type person around (easier said that done).

Once you have the export file(s) containing all your records, make a copy of
the file(s), then make another copy.

Now you can demo different programs by importing your file and testing. If
you keep the older computer running during this process, you can still have
current use of your IBM program, but you're also able to upgrade and test
new configurations as you go along.

If you end up getting a new computer, and need help installing the
application using XP's Program Compatibility Wizard, post back for more
help.

Good luck,
Patrick Pitre
 
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