DOS programs

  • Thread starter Thread starter Virginia Tucker
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Virginia Tucker

I tried to get the application compatibility news group
but kept getting the message that the URL was wrong so I
thought I would try here. 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???
 
XP will run some DOS programs but there's no guarantee which ones or that
what works on one setup will work on another. If this is mission critical
as appears to be the case your best bet is to hang on to your present
system. Then see if you can set up a dual boot scenario on the new system
wherein you are able to run your current version of Windows and continue to
run your DOS apps through it though I strongly suggest that begin a program
of migrating yourself out of the DOS system.

If your current computer is running DOS and no Windows, you might have a lot
of trouble setting up DOS on the new system. Even if you manage to get DOS
installed, you will have nothing but trouble trying to get any devices
including printers to work, at least if you plan to buy new printers,
scanners, etc. However, the Catch22 is that any legacy peripherals you
currently have might not run at all on the new computer. It may not have
the proper connections and if connected, these legacy devices will play
havoc with the XP setup.
 
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