game won't install on XP

[Guest]

I tried installing this older game of mine but it won't install. I've tried
others and there is no problem. When I try to install it pops up a message
saying "the system file is not suitable for running MS DOS and Windows
applications." What can I do to get this game installed and be able to play
it?

 

[Chris H.]

Most of the "older" games will run perfectly well on Windows XP. Some need
to use Compatibility Mode (details are in Help and Support), and this
TechNet article will help you:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/lgcyapps.mspx

Basically, what Compatibility Mode does is allow the older program to
"think" it is being installed on the operating system for which it was
designed. You also need to pay attention to the game's requirements, and
some need to be installed using Compatibility starting with the installation
itself by going to Start/Run/Browse and locating the install.exe or
setup.exe file on the root of the CD. You can right-click that file, follow
the pattern to use Compatibility Mode and have it install.

After the install, make sure to update the program from the web site of the
creator, then right-click the icon you'll use to launch the game and make
sure the proper Compatibility settings are ready. You also need to make
sure the proper display and color settings are selected.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -

 

[Jimmy S.]

Hi,

|I tried installing this older game of mine but it won't install. I've tried
| others and there is no problem. When I try to install it pops up a message
| saying "the system file is not suitable for running MS DOS and Windows
| applications." What can I do to get this game installed and be able to play
| it?

Here's an easy method to solve that error:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_m.htm#16bit

If that doesn't correct the issue, try this manual method:

1. Browse to C:\WINDOWS\repair
Right-Click and Copy the file named: autoexec.nt *

2. Browse to C:\WINDOWS\System32
Right-Click in that window to Paste the file
(Answer yes if prompted to replace existing file)


* Note: If the file autoexec.nt doesn't exist on your system
right click the link below and select the "Save Target As.."
option to save the file in C:\WINDOWS\System32
http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits/AUTOEXEC.NT

--
Cheers, Windows XP MVP Shell / User
Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com


Game FAQs: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=FH;[LN];gms
Visit my Zone.com / Gaming Helpsite: http://nibblesnbits.tk or Call / Contact
MS Support at: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=sz;en-us;top
My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
_________________________________________________________

 

[Lars-Erik Østerud]

Chris H.:

Most of the "older" games will run perfectly well on Windows XP. Some need
to use Compatibility Mode (details are in Help and Support), and this
TechNet article will help you:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/lgcyapps.mspx

I got several (most old games to work by using VDMSound):
http://ntvdm.cjb.net/

Quote from the documentation:

1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW
VDMSound is a program that overcomes what has probably been the most
exasperating limitation of DOS boxes since Windows NT - sound support.
VDMSound is an open, plug-in oriented platform that emulates an
MPU-401 interface (for outputting high-quality MIDI music), a
SoundBlaster compatible (SB16, SBPro 2, SB2, SBPro, etc.)
implementation (for digital sound effects and FM/AdLib music), as well
as a standard game-port interface (for playing games with joystick
support). In development are improvements to the existing joystick
emulation, and possibly VESA support.
Unlike all the Win9x SoundBlaster ISA 'legacy' drivers available from
a variety of PCI soundcard manufacturers, VDMSound is not a mere
'wrapper' or 'bridge' to existing audio hardware. It is a
self-contained, 100% software emulation program that is completely
independent of your audio hardware type and settings. VDMSound works
with any soundcard, and will even work on computers that have no audio
hardware at all (for instance, instead of outputting sounds through
your soundcard using the standard Windows drivers, VDMSound can easily
output them to disk).

2. FEATURE DESCRIPTION
VDMSound features Microsoft Installer technology for smooth product
installation, removal and upgrading. It also seamlessly integrates
with Windows Explorer, bringing your old favourites literally within
two mouse clicks from running with sound. This unique feature allows
you to enjoy the classics without spending any of your valuable time
changing directories, setting environment variables or tuning memory
settings. Other features include:
· emulation support for a MPU-401 interface, complete with MIDI
stream validation, MIDI activity indication (via the keyboard LEDs),
and the ability to map MT-32 music to GM/GS should the need arise;
· emulation support for SB16-compatible and AdLib cards,
featuring DirectSound mixing of digital sound effects and FM-synthesis
music, while still offering plain old WaveOut as an alternative to
high-latency Windows NT 4 DirectSound 3 implementations;
· emulation support for up to two joysticks, ideal for those
classic two-player games;
· versatile .ini file support, makes the system highly
configurable, letting you tweak performance to satisfy even the most
demanding DOS applications and games;
· support for multiple configurations, allowing different
emulation settings for different applications or games;
· active support on the VDMSound site, http://ntvdm.cjb.net/.

 

[Lars-Erik Østerud]

Chris H.:

Most of the "older" games will run perfectly well on Windows XP. Some need
to use Compatibility Mode (details are in Help and Support), and this
TechNet article will help you:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/lgcyapps.mspx

Also, for some old games there are official AND unoffical patches.

I found these pathces:

- NFS5 Enhanced patch
- NFS Porsche Unleashed XP patch
- Red Alert and CNC Gold XP patch
- cli2nop (fixed crashes in DOS games)
- nolfb (enables 640x480 VESA)
- DOSbox (DOS emulator)
- VDMSound (XP DOS sound emulator)
- SoundFX 2000 (XP DOS sound emulator)

With these I got almost ALL old DOS and Windows games working

For "Quake" get the "GLQuake" update, it works with XP

VDMSound made these DOS games run nice WITH sound on XP:

- Descent II
- Duke Nukem 3D
- Leisure Suit Larry 5
- Leisure Suit Larry 2
- Leisure Suit Larry 3
- Leisure Suit Larry 1
- Settlers 2
- Terminal Velocity