Dos and XP

[Ed]

How can I run legacy MS-Dos programs under Windows XP pro?
When I use the command prompt and enter either a batch
file name or the .exe name, a console screen pops up and
something runs but it closes almost immediately. I have
tried several settings for the shortcut / exe properties.

 

[Mike DeLeonardis]

go to START then RUN then type "cmd"

 

[Ed]

No, typing in the program's command line results in that
same behavior. Something runs quickly and then ends.

 

[The Unknown P]

I don't know how many times a day I tell people this.
Listen and listen closely XP DOES NOT HAVE DOS. It is not
written on or over DOS and therefore does not have it.
There is a command line interface which is a DOS emulator.
In other words it mimicks or acts like the old style DOS
but IT IS NOT DOS. You can try running the program in
compatability mode but if it is a true DOS program then XP
won't run it. XP DOES NOT HAVE DOS. I hope you understand.
Keep smiling.

 

[xe77]

The MS-DOs Virtual Machine is part of the Windows 16-bit
Subsystem controlled by: NTVDM.EXE and WOWEXEC.EXE.
You can invoke the MS-DOS VM by running COMMAND.COM
To access the Windows NT Command line prompt start CMD.EXE
NOTE: Running batch commands in CMD require some
modifications to adjust to the expanded capabilities in
CMD.
If you invoke a batch file from within another you must
use the CALL directive first. eg. "CALL mybatch.bat"
NOTE: It is recommended you use the .cmd file extension
for your Windows NT CMD.EXE batch files.
If you are having problems invoking MS-DOS native
EXEcutable files, try first opening a COMMAND.COM (MS-DOS
VM) and running them from within it.

 

[Lem]

How can I run legacy MS-Dos programs under Windows XP pro?
When I use the command prompt and enter either a batch
file name or the .exe name, a console screen pops up and
something runs but it closes almost immediately. I have
tried several settings for the shortcut / exe properties.

Although Unknown P is correct, many MS-DOS apps will in fact work in the
XP emulator. From Start > Run try cmd /k <oldprog.exe>

The /k parameter should keept the command prompt window open after the
dos app comletes. See http://tinyurl.com/u4oi

 

[Alex Nichol]

How can I run legacy MS-Dos programs under Windows XP pro?
When I use the command prompt and enter either a batch
file name or the .exe name, a console screen pops up and
something runs but it closes almost immediately

As a start, open Start - All Programs - Accessories - Command Prompt
which is a command prompt that looks like DOS, and try running them from
that. You may then see why it is not running direct

If one needs anything like a driver loaded in config.sys or a TSR
loaded in autoexec.bat, it will not be allowed - nor will a program be
allowed to handle hardware direct in any way. If a program is
acceptable you should be able to run it by making a shortcut to its .exe
file and running that.