Installing old dos games

[Guest]

I am trying to install several older dos games (Ultima Underground for instance) both on cd & disk. Each time I get a "dos error message" window in XP telling me the drive latch is not closed! Obviously this is a throwback to the old days of floppys. What is going on and how do I get around this to install some old favorities? I even tried copying the install files to my hard drive and still got the same bizarre dos error message. Please help.

 

[Jimmy S.]

Hi FeralDM,

When a game is a DOS game, it could work using compatibility mode:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=292533 or by using the Multiboot
bootdisk from: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~lpcd/downloads.html
and always check at fileplanet.com to see if there's a patch available.

With DOSBOX you can emulate a DOS computer on your XP desktop:
http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/information.php Or try MS Virtual PC:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/virtualpc/downloads/trial.asp
which allows you to install DOS or to run any operating system inside XP.

If you prefer to explore other advanced methods, here are two excellent
tutorials I've found on the subject: http://www.dosgames.com/xphints.php
and http://home.earthlink.net/~angeldancer27/XpGameList.htm For sound
issues use: http://www.ece.mcgill.ca/~vromas/vdmsound Good Luck!

--
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.
_________________________________________________________

| I am trying to install several older dos games (Ultima Underground for instance) both on cd & disk. Each time I get a "dos error
message" window in XP telling me the drive latch is not closed! Obviously this is a throwback to the old days of floppys. What is
going on and how do I get around this to install some old favorities? I even tried copying the install files to my hard drive and
still got the same bizarre dos error message. Please help.

 

[Guest]

I tried the compatibility mode which made no difference.Here's more info, as soon as I click on the install program, a dos box comes up with this error message saying drive blah blah isn't working check latch. What's wrong here is that the drive the error message is referencing is the NOT the correct dirve. In other words, my cd drive is "E" but error will say for example drive "G" which I don't have. This happens whether I'm using a cd or a floppy. Just a different drive letter in error message. So, it's not a matter of a game not running properly, but rather some kind of weird drive mixup in the Dos box. Also, this happens with ANY Dos program I try to install. Any ideas? I appreciate your help! Email me privately if you wish.

 

[Jimmy S.]

Hi Feral,

Since Compatibility Mode didn't work, I suggest you use the other
methods I posted for your, specifically the Multiboot diskette, DOS
Box, or the Virtual PC alternative from Microsoft. My money is on
the Multiboot diskette however since it has it's own CD drivers.

--
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.
_________________________________________________________

| I tried the compatibility mode which made no difference.Here's more info, as soon as I click on the install program, a dos box
comes up with this error message saying drive blah blah isn't working check latch. What's wrong here is that the drive the error
message is referencing is the NOT the correct dirve. In other words, my cd drive is "E" but error will say for example drive "G"
which I don't have. This happens whether I'm using a cd or a floppy. Just a different drive letter in error message. So, it's not a
matter of a game not running properly, but rather some kind of weird drive mixup in the Dos box. Also, this happens with ANY Dos
program I try to install. Any ideas? I appreciate your help! Email me privately if you wish.

 

[Guest]

Jimmy, you're right, MultiBoot worked, up to a point. Used Win 95 config, install began without previous "latch open" error. However, install couldn't locate either of my hard drives. I wanted to install to drive C. Argh. How do I get Ultima's install program to recognize my hard drive? Game can't be run off cd/has to be installed. Thanks!

 

[Jimmy S.]

Hi Feraldm,

Here's a few questions that may help find the answer.
Can you see the drives when you bootup into DOS using Multiboot?
Does the DIR command work? Are the drives formatted as FAT 32?

--
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.
_________________________________________________________

| Jimmy, you're right, MultiBoot worked, up to a point. Used Win 95 config, install began without previous "latch open" error.
However, install couldn't locate either of my hard drives. I wanted to install to drive C. Argh. How do I get Ultima's install
program to recognize my hard drive? Game can't be run off cd/has to be installed. Thanks!

 

[Guest]

J- I can see the drives during the system boot when it displays system messages, then i get the "starting windows 95" message. From there it asks whether I want cd drive support blah blah. I say yes. I see various cd drivers loading from the floppy and finally I'm at the A prompt. As far as the dir command, only on cd rom drive and of course A drive. Cannot access hard drives C & D which is the problem. Yes, both are FAT32. Thanks!

 

[Jimmy S.]

Hi Feral,

That's a major setback then unfortunately. The only thing
I can recommend at this point is to choose Windows 98
from the Multiboot disk if the option exists, as the issue
may be caused because the partition size is too large for
Windows 95 to support. Windows 98 was the first version
to ship with "Large Drive" support. Check the supporting
documentation that came with Multiboot and the other tips
I posted for you originally as well. When one method does
not work for you, continue on and try the others, don't let
one pitfall stop you as it did when Compatibility mode didn't
work for you. I hope this helps you Feral, and best of luck!

--
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.
_________________________________________________________

| J- I can see the drives during the system boot when it displays system messages, then i get the "starting windows 95" message.
From there it asks whether I want cd drive support blah blah. I say yes. I see various cd drivers loading from the floppy and
finally I'm at the A prompt. As far as the dir command, only on cd rom drive and of course A drive. Cannot access hard drives C & D
which is the problem. Yes, both are FAT32. Thanks!

 

[Guest]

No luck with Win 98 boot either!. Amazing I have a problem that's stumped an expert. At this point I guess I'll stick with Windows games. Thank you for all of your effort and time spent on this

Debby

 

[Jimmy S.]

You're welcome Debby! As I stated before, don't stop
trying to solve your problem just because one solution
didn't work for you. Try *all* the advice in that long post. ;-)

--
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.
_________________________________________________________

| No luck with Win 98 boot either!. Amazing I have a problem that's stumped an expert. At this point I guess I'll stick with
Windows games. Thank you for all of your effort and time spent on this.
|
| Debby

 

[Guest]

Jimmy-Not one to give up, I finally stumbled on the solution late last night. Both of my hard drives have GoBack installed. I noticed during boot GoBack gives the option of booting with a floppy. Previously I had just put in the MultiBooot floppy and let the computer boot. I tried Multiboot thru the GoBack floppy boot and there it was, my C drive! I don't know why this worked but obviously it has something to do with GoBack's handling of the hard drives. I probably should've told you I had GoBack installed but never thought it was the culprit. So, just in case someone else has this problem...now you know the solution
Thanks again

Debb
PS:I envy your job!

 

[Jimmy S.]

Hi Debby,

You're most welcome. I'm glad I was urging you not to give up so easily.
If at first you don't succeed, try another solution or re-examine the current one.

Cheers,
Jimmy.

PS: Since you envy my job, here's great We're volunteers! You may start tomorrow. ;-)

PPS: Windows XP has a built in system to go back and recover your system
which you can use and avoid the problems caused by 3rd party utilities:
How to use Windows XP System Restore:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/gethelp/systemrestore.asp

--
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.
_________________________________________________________

| Jimmy-Not one to give up, I finally stumbled on the solution late last night. Both of my hard drives have GoBack installed. I
noticed during boot GoBack gives the option of booting with a floppy. Previously I had just put in the MultiBooot floppy and let the
computer boot. I tried Multiboot thru the GoBack floppy boot and there it was, my C drive! I don't know why this worked but
obviously it has something to do with GoBack's handling of the hard drives. I probably should've told you I had GoBack installed but
never thought it was the culprit. So, just in case someone else has this problem...now you know the solution.
| Thanks again.
|
| Debby
| PS:I envy your job!

 

[Guest]

J-Just when you thought I was gone....well, this should be easy for you. Underworld can finally install to my hard drive but won't because....it says I don't have enough Dos memory! Complete message is "you have 439408, need 564880". My Dos days are long forgotten so how do I get around the memory bit to finally install this damn thing!

Volunteer huh? Well, I run a private shelter for abused animals and I have yet to get a paycheck. Get tons of thanks though from animals who are finally loved and wanted

Debby

 

[Jimmy S.]

Hi Debbie,

Ultima Underworld is presenting quite a challenge it seems!
The game should work if the following lines are included in your Config.sys file:
device=himem.sys
device=emm386.exe noems
dos=high,umb
files=30
buffers=30

--
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.
_________________________________________________________

| J-Just when you thought I was gone....well, this should be easy for you. Underworld can finally install to my hard drive but won't
because....it says I don't have enough Dos memory! Complete message is "you have 439408, need 564880". My Dos days are long
forgotten so how do I get around the memory bit to finally install this damn thing!?
|
| Volunteer huh? Well, I run a private shelter for abused animals and I have yet to get a paycheck. Get tons of thanks though from
animals who are finally loved and wanted.
|
| Debby

 

[Guest]

J-Yes, I'm at the point where Ultima probablyjust isn't worth the aggravation despite it being an interesting challenge to get it installed. All of the lines you listed are in the config.sys file on the Multiboot floppy. I could accept this a bit easier if it were attempting to play the game that was such a problem as there would be ways around that. But to have such trouble simply trying to install it is another thing all together. You've been more than helpful and I don't want to waste any more of your time on this. Maybe one day an easy solution will present itself.

Thanks again.

Debby

 

[Jimmy S.]

Hi Debby,

Yes, it's frustrating to be stuck at a point so early in the process.
If you ever feel like tackling the project again, start from step 2
of the instructions listed at: http://www.experts-exchange.com/Miscellaneous/Games/DOS_Games/Q_20733626.html

Best of luck Debbie, and thanks for caring for and sheltering those animals.

--
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.
_________________________________________________________

| J-Yes, I'm at the point where Ultima probablyjust isn't worth the aggravation despite it being an interesting challenge to get it
installed. All of the lines you listed are in the config.sys file on the Multiboot floppy. I could accept this a bit easier if it
were attempting to play the game that was such a problem as there would be ways around that. But to have such trouble simply trying
to install it is another thing all together. You've been more than helpful and I don't want to waste any more of your time on this.
Maybe one day an easy solution will present itself.
|
| Thanks again.
|
| Debby

 

[Guest]

J-In case you're still checking here....I finally did it! I got Underworld installed and playable, for the most part. Had to copy all install files from cd to hard drive. Then I had to use DosBox, mount the c drive and actually install the game that way. Finally, in order to play it without all those memory errors, I use MultBoot (Win 98 config) without cd support. There are still the sound issues of course but that's not a big deal. What a challenge huh

Debby

 

[Jimmy S.]

WTG Debby!

Somehow I must have known you wouldn't give up, so I'm glad
I posted that extra information for you. Now for the sound issue
keep in mind the VDMSound utility mentioned in previous posts. ;-)

--
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.
_________________________________________________________

| J-In case you're still checking here....I finally did it! I got Underworld installed and playable, for the most part. Had to copy
all install files from cd to hard drive. Then I had to use DosBox, mount the c drive and actually install the game that way.
Finally, in order to play it without all those memory errors, I use MultBoot (Win 98 config) without cd support. There are still the
sound issues of course but that's not a big deal. What a challenge huh?
|
| Debby

 

[Guest]

J-Well, with the sound issue, VDMSound won't help as the game is being played in Dos (thru Multiboot) as opposed to a Dos box in Windows. Unless I'm mistaken in what I read on the VDM site, the utility is for fixing Dos box sound problems within Windows as opposed to just Dos. What it comes down to is getting the drivers to load for my sound card without using up so much memory that I'm back to the old issue of Dos memory errors. I guess it'll be trial and error. And no, I don't give up easily ottherwise I would not be in the animal welfare business

Debby