running DOS program on Windows XP

[Terry Hunt]

I recently bought a Dell computer with Windows XP
Professional and am using it as a workstation on our LAN
at work. We have two DOS programs we use frequently.
They were written in Clipper (no longer supported) and are
very useful in our work. On Windows 95 and Windows 98 we
can run them in full screen mode. However, on Windows XP
they can be run in full screen mode, but the text is
compressed vertically so it only fills the top half of the
screen and is harder to read.

My best solution so far is to change the properties of the
Command prompt (DOS prompt) so that the font is Lucida
Console and the size is 14. In that format the program
fills the entire width of the screen and about 75% of the
height, but not the entire screen.

If anyone has a suggestion for running the DOS programs in
full-screen mode, please e-mail me at (e-mail address removed)
using the subject of DOS program or something similar so
it won't be deleted as junk mail. Thanks. Terry Hunt,
Las Vegas

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, Terry.

WinXP does not include MS-DOS, which you know, of course. It does include
TWO "DOS" emulators: a 16-bit version (Command.com) and a 32-bit version
(Cmd.exe). If you click Start | All Programs | Accessories | Command
Prompt, you should get the 32-bit "DOS".

There are also more than one Properties screens for Command Prompt, with
different numbers of tabbed screens. I've not tried to find all of the
variations, but this one should work: Before you click on Command Prompt,
Right-click it and click Properties. Then click the Options tab. One of
the choices should offer Window or Full screen; choose Full screen. Other
tabs let you choose fonts, colors, etc.

Another way to get to the Properties screen is to go ahead and open your
"DOS" window. Then click on the Title bar and choose Properties. Again,
the Options tab should offer the Full screen choice.

And then there's always Alt+Enter to toggle between Windowed and Full
screen. (The Minimize and Maximize buttons up in the corner don't always
work as expected from here.)

Sorry, no email. That's not the way these newsgroups (Discussion Groups)
work. Post your question here; come back here for responses.

RC

 

[Alex Nichol]

My best solution so far is to change the properties of the
Command prompt (DOS prompt) so that the font is Lucida
Console and the size is 14. In that format the program
fills the entire width of the screen and about 75% of the
height, but not the entire screen.

Best I can suggest is that having done that you next right click in the
Title bar (when Windowed) and in Properties - Layout, increase the
Height (as measured in Lines) from the 25 that is standard to say 36