DOS programs

[fkung]

Hi,

Does anybody know if Windows XP supports DOS programs? I
have a lot of research data in an old DOS database. I
won't switch from Windows 98 to Windows XP unless I am
sure that I can still work with my old DOS database.
Thanks.

FHK

 

[molsonexpert]

Hi,

Does anybody know if Windows XP supports DOS programs? I
have a lot of research data in an old DOS database. I
won't switch from Windows 98 to Windows XP unless I am
sure that I can still work with my old DOS database.
Thanks.

FHK

In general, yes. However, I'd be doing some testing with you DOS app first,
if you can, and do some researching on Microsofts web site. For example:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314106&Product=winxp

http://tinyurl.com/2o29r

steve.

 

[WIslu Plethora]

-----Original Message-----
Hi,

Does anybody know if Windows XP supports DOS programs? I
have a lot of research data in an old DOS database. I
won't switch from Windows 98 to Windows XP unless I am
sure that I can still work with my old DOS database.
Thanks.

FHK
.

You need to explain what you mean by "old DOS database."
What program? What file format?

 

[Jim Macklin]

What format is the "old data" presently stored? Is it on a
CD, floppy or a hard drive? Modern database programs such
as Access can import data from most prior formats. You may
find that for data security and ease of use, migrating to a
modern database program might be a worthwhile move.
If your old data is on floppies, they are very much
life-limited, copy the data files to a more useful and
modern media, such as CD-R or flash.


--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.


in message | Hi,
|
| Does anybody know if Windows XP supports DOS programs? I
| have a lot of research data in an old DOS database. I
| won't switch from Windows 98 to Windows XP unless I am
| sure that I can still work with my old DOS database.
| Thanks.
|
| FHK

 

[Malke]

What format is the "old data" presently stored? Is it on a
CD, floppy or a hard drive? Modern database programs such
as Access can import data from most prior formats. You may
find that for data security and ease of use, migrating to a
modern database program might be a worthwhile move.
If your old data is on floppies, they are very much
life-limited, copy the data files to a more useful and
modern media, such as CD-R or flash.

Bottom line: try it and see. I have a client running 4 totally obscure
ancient DOS programs and they all run just fine with no tinkering or
compatibility mode. However, that doesn't mean yours will be OK. The
nice thing about old DOS programs is that you can just double-click the
executable and see what happens.

Malke

 

[Ben]

Hi,

Does anybody know if Windows XP supports DOS programs? I
have a lot of research data in an old DOS database. I
won't switch from Windows 98 to Windows XP unless I am
sure that I can still work with my old DOS database.
Thanks.

FHK

You can try, it is not harmful.
Make a bootable disk, and boot from it, you will get a command prompt.

 

[Plato]

Does anybody know if Windows XP supports DOS programs? I
have a lot of research data in an old DOS database. I
won't switch from Windows 98 to Windows XP unless I am
sure that I can still work with my old DOS database.

Its often nice to get your new PC, but keep your old one for your old
stuff.

 

[Al Smith]

Hi,

Does anybody know if Windows XP supports DOS programs? I
have a lot of research data in an old DOS database. I
won't switch from Windows 98 to Windows XP unless I am
sure that I can still work with my old DOS database.
Thanks.

FHK

I'd say it was time to convert and upgrade your database. Like it
or not, DOS is dying. However, XP seems to support many DOS
programs. Only way for you to be sure is load XP on another
machine, or on a second hard drive as a dual boot, and try the old
programs out.