Do you know how to run MS-DOS on your computer?
Question
How do I run MS-DOS / Windows 95 games on my XP based machine?
Answer
This question was answered on December 15, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.
Windows 95:
"Most programs run properly on Windows XP. The main exceptions are
some older games and other programs that were written specifically for
an earlier version of Windows. These programs may run poorly or not at
all after you first upgrade to Windows XP. But in most cases, you can
use a Compatibility Mode in Windows XP and get these programs working
again."
The Program Compatibility Wizard
"You should run the Program Compatibility Wizard before you try other
ways of updating your programs or drivers because it identifies
compatibility fixes written specifically for Windows XP. If the wizard
does not solve your problem, you can try other steps listed at the end
of this article."
DOS:
"Running DOS programs in Windows XP can be difficult. Unlike earlier
versions of Windows, XP is not based on the DOS kernel. Instead it,
like Windows 2000, is based on the NT kernel. This is one of the
things that makes XP more robust than Windows 98, but it has it's
drawbacks for the DOS gamer. Because there is no DOS kernel, XP has to
run DOS games in "pretend DOS" mode. Unfortunately, XP is not a great
pretender. In addition, the tricks you learning in your DOS gaming
days (veterans who fought to get more free memory to run "Falcon" will
know what I mean) are no longer appropriate in the new age of XP.
The difficulty you'll have in running a DOS game will depend on your
machine and on the game. Before trying the steps below, try running
the game by simply clicking on it, then try various settings on the
compatibility tab."
Author
Posted by cristina of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on December 15, 2004
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