Running a MSDOS program in Win95 compatibility mode under Win2000

[Larry Martell]

I have a MSDOS program that only runs under Windows 95. I need to run
this program on a Windows 2000 system. I know there is a windows 95
compatibility mode, but that tab only is available on a shortcut to a
windows program. On a shortcut to a MSDOS prog, that tab is not there.
Is there a way to run a MSDOS prog in Win2000 under Win95 compatibility
mode?

TIA,
-larry

 

[Ron Ruble]

I have a MSDOS program that only runs under Windows 95. I need to run
this program on a Windows 2000 system. I know there is a windows 95
compatibility mode, but that tab only is available on a shortcut to a
windows program. On a shortcut to a MSDOS prog, that tab is not there.
Is there a way to run a MSDOS prog in Win2000 under Win95 compatibility
mode?

TIA,
-larry

Check third party stuff:

http://www.dosgamesonline.com/index/utilities/

I used VDM Sound at this location to play some DOS games
that didn't work properly under XP and Win2K.

 

[Dodo2u]

Larry Martell wrote on 13 jan 2006:

I have a MSDOS program that only runs under Windows 95.

DOS progs run fine under W2k!

What prog are you rambling about?

 

[Larry Martell]

Check third party stuff:

http://www.dosgamesonline.com/index/utilities/

I used VDM Sound at this location to play some DOS games
that didn't work properly under XP nd Win2K.

Thanks for the link, Ron, but none of those worked for me.

-larry

 

[Larry Martell]

Larry Martell wrote on 13 jan 2006:


DOS progs run fine under W2k!

Not this one.

What prog are you rambling about?

The program is interface software for an old HP10885A Laser
Interferometer board. This is an ISA board. The machine I have it in
does not support XP. If I run it under Win95 or Win98 it works
perfectly, but under W2K it crashes or hangs. W2K has a Win95
compatibility mode, but that option is only available on a Windows
program. For a DOS program the Win95 compatibility mode option is not
available.

I was hoping there's be some sort of window shell program that I could
set to run in Win95 compatibility mode, the have the HP program run
under that shell. Anyone know of anything like that??

-larry

 

[Dan Seur]

In general DOS-based programs that depend on directly manipulating
hardware, and cannot use a virtual hardware interface such as the
NT/W2k/XP systems provide, will not execute on those latter systems. One
of the security/integrity features of true multitasking systems is
isolation of tasks from each other and from hardware. The OS intercepts
everything and provides all services. Tricky business, but important.

"Well-behaved" DOS-based software (that uses the defined system calls
and APIs) will operate under the DOS simulator provided by these
systems. By desibgn the DOS simulator honors all such function calls. By
definition application software that does end runs to get to hardware
directly is "ill-behaved," and the OS steps on its neck.

The Win9x family are actually user-friendly and cosmetic interfaces
built on the old DOS. DOS programs would naturally work under those
OSes. And it's quite easy for applications to scramble each other.

If you have an application that runs under real DOS (e.g. W95) but not
under NT/W2k/XP your best bets may be:
(1) query the developer for recent mods to solve the problem, or
(2) install a multiboot config that includes W9x.

Not this one.




The program is interface software for an old HP10885A Laser
Interferometer board. This is an ISA board. The machine I have it in
does not support XP. If I run it under Win95 or Win98 it works
perfectly, but under W2K it crashes or hangs. W2K has a Win95
compatibility mode, but that option is only available on a Windows
program. For a DOS program the Win95 compatibility mode option is not
available.

I was hoping there's be some sort of window shell program that I could
set to run in Win95 compatibility mode, the have the HP program run
under that shell. Anyone know of anything like that??

-larry



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[Larry Martell]

In general DOS-based programs that depend on directly manipulating
hardware, and cannot use a virtual hardware interface such as the
NT/W2k/XP systems provide, will not execute on those latter systems. One
of the security/integrity features of true multitasking systems is
isolation of tasks from each other and from hardware. The OS intercepts
everything and provides all services. Tricky business, but important.

"Well-behaved" DOS-based software (that uses the defined system calls
and APIs) will operate under the DOS simulator provided by these
systems. By desibgn the DOS simulator honors all such function calls. By
definition application software that does end runs to get to hardware
directly is "ill-behaved," and the OS steps on its neck.

The Win9x family are actually user-friendly and cosmetic interfaces
built on the old DOS. DOS programs would naturally work under those
OSes. And it's quite easy for applications to scramble each other.

If you have an application that runs under real DOS (e.g. W95) but not
under NT/W2k/XP your best bets may be:
(1) query the developer for recent mods to solve the problem, or

Already did that ... that division of HP was acquired by Agilent, and
they don't make or support that board any more ... so we're stuck with
the sw we have.

(2) install a multiboot config that includes W9x.

Yes, that seems like our only solution.

Thanks!
-larry

 

[Steve Parry [MVP]]

Larry Martell fumbled, fiddled and fingered:

I have a MSDOS program that only runs under Windows 95. I need to run
this program on a Windows 2000 system. I know there is a windows 95
compatibility mode, but that tab only is available on a shortcut to a
windows program. On a shortcut to a MSDOS prog, that tab is not there.
Is there a way to run a MSDOS prog in Win2000 under Win95
compatibility mode?

Run the CMD prompt session in compat mode and your app within that
session

--
Steve Parry BA (Hons) MCP MVP


http://www.gwynfryn.co.uk

http://www.petitiononline.com/X30WM5/petition.html

 

[Pelerin Galimatias]

Already did that ... that division of HP was acquired by Agilent, and
they don't make or support that board any more ... so we're stuck with
the sw we have.


Yes, that seems like our only solution.

As people upgrade,they produce a glut of old throwaway machines. Pickup
one, put DOS662 on it and put it in the backroom for special projects.
DOS is real spunky on these pentiums. Choose one which has a replaceable
battery.