I can't get my old MSDOS prgrm to run on XP

[Stephen]

I have been trying for quite some time now to get
PLANPGM.EXE to run on my brand new XP system, but it
won't work. Granted, the program is from the mid 80's,
but it functions fine on Wndws 2000 - All that happens
when I open the prgrm in XP is that a window comes up
with a blue background (the background of the prgrm) and
it is unresponsive. If anybody has any advice on getting
this dinosaur software running, I would really appreciate
it.

 

[neil]

Have you ran it in compatibility mode, right click the program file and go
to properties there you will see a compatibility tab. Try selecting windows
2000.

Neil

 

[Stephen]

I already tried the various compatibility options, and
still all I get is a blank blue screen. Is it possible I
need some sort of patch, update, or driver to be able to
use this sadly dated program?

 

[Crusty \(-: Old B@stard :-\)]

There is no compatibility mode for DOS. The program either works, or it
doesn't. If the latter, you need to run it under true DOS. That is why some
people dual and triple boot!

 

[Malke]

I already tried the various compatibility options, and
still all I get is a blank blue screen. Is it possible I
need some sort of patch, update, or driver to be able to
use this sadly dated program?

The sad fact is that you may not be able to run this program under XP.
Contact the mftr. of the software if they are still around. If they're
gone, then either find current software that will do what you need or
keep an older computer around just to run it. Or pay a programmer to
port it to XP. Sorry.

Malke