Old DOS game won't run: 64-bit compatibility problem

[hkBattousai]

I found one of my favorite old DOS game (I attached it).

When I try to run it I got a dialog box which displayed this error message:

The version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running. Check your computer's system information to see whether you need an x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher.

I tried every compatibility option for the exe file under
"Right Click > Properties > Compatibility"
but still it is no good.

Is there any emulator or something like that for running these kind of old incompatible 32-bit or even 16-bit applications?


My system:
Windows 7 Ultimate, 64-bit, up-to-date

 

[Tews]

Those are 16bit programs and will not run on windows seven ... sorry....

 

[electrotune1200]

Maybe try XP mode?

 

[severedsolo]

Hi there hkBatousai welcome to SF if noone has said it already.

As you have Windows 7 Ultimate can I suggest you run your game in XP Mode: Download Windows XP Mode that is effectively a free 32-bit OS for you in a VM

and of course, you wont have to worry about XP modes technical limitations, as I doubt that an old DOS game will tax your PC at all

 

[hkBattousai]

Those are 16bit programs and will not run on windows seven ... sorry....

Isn't there any way to run those programs? I need simpler way than using a virual PC, because that is the last option.

Maybe try XP mode?

Already tried it.

 

[severedsolo]

What was the issue with XP Mode? Did it give you a specific error message? XP Mode is integratted into Windows 7 so should give you no issues.

 

[hkBattousai]

What was the issue with XP Mode? Did it give you a specific error message? XP Mode is integratted into Windows 7 so should give you no issues.

Now installing the "XP Mode", will report the result soon...

 

[electrotune1200]

Are you getting XP mode confused with Compatability Mode?

I don't use XP mode myself as a VM. So I'm not really sure if XP Mode would run in x64 being that your version of 7 is x64.

 

[severedsolo]

Are you getting XP mode confused with Compatability Mode?

I don't use XP mode myself as a VM. So I'm not really sure if XP Mode would run in x64 being that your version of 7 is x64.

XP Mode works fine on 64 bit windows, as long as you get the 64 bit version of Virtual PC.

@OP I'm now trying out your game in XP Mode for you, I'll let you know how I get on

 

[hkBattousai]

Hi there hkBatousai welcome to SF if noone has said it already.

As you have Windows 7 Ultimate can I suggest you run your game in XP Mode: Download Windows XP Mode that is effectively a free 32-bit OS for you in a VM

and of course, you wont have to worry about XP modes technical limitations, as I doubt that an old DOS game will tax your PC at all

When I attepmt to download XP Mode, it makes me download this "WindowsActivationUpdate.exe". I can't continue to my download, and encounter this Windows activation pop-up every time.

 

[Tews]

Have you activated your copy yet?? Is it a genuine copy??

 

[severedsolo]

Install the update and then restart your browser. the plugin wont initialise unless the browser is reset.

I just tried it in XP Mode. I get "the video device failed to initialise for full screen mode" and then Command Prompt crashes.

I dont really know what else to suggest =/ Unless you try dual booting with 32 bit I suppose, but it seems a bit extreme just to play one game

 

[hkBattousai]

Have you activated your copy yet?? Is it a genuine copy??

My company is a member of BizSpark software, and I downloaded this copy of Windows with that BizSpark membership. It is completely legal, and I have my private license key. I never had this kind of problem.

 

[severedsolo]

Just restart your browser It does exactly the same thing to me.

When you restart it will find the plugin and you will be able to proceed as normal

 

[hkBattousai]

Install the update and then restart your browser. the plugin wont initialise unless the browser is reset.

I just tried it in XP Mode. I get "the video device failed to initialise for full screen mode" and then Command Prompt crashes.

I dont really know what else to suggest =/ Unless you try dual booting with 32 bit I suppose, but it seems a bit extreme just to play one game

I am restarting now...
It seem a bit extreme for one game, but I occasionally encounter this kind of problems, so I need to learn how to solve them.

 

[severedsolo]

Install the update and then restart your browser. the plugin wont initialise unless the browser is reset.

I just tried it in XP Mode. I get "the video device failed to initialise for full screen mode" and then Command Prompt crashes.

I dont really know what else to suggest =/ Unless you try dual booting with 32 bit I suppose, but it seems a bit extreme just to play one game

I am restarting now...
It seem a bit extreme for one game, but I occasionally encounter this kind of problems, so I need to learn how to solve them.

NORMALLY non compatible not 64 bit applications run fine on XP Mode. It looks like this issue is linked specifically to the fact that its trying to make the Command Prompt Window full screen and XP Mode doesn't like it. The game loads fine, but when I go to actually play, it tries to go full screen and crashes.

Unfortunately, this is linked to the XP Mode generic graphics adapter, which can't be changed. I run DOS Games on XP Mode all the time, but the ones I play don't normally need to go full screen.

Of course it may also be because I dont have hardware virtualisation on my system. Your mileage may vary

 

[hkBattousai]

That Windows genuine validation is still going on, and appears to be stuck. I'm closing it.

Thanks for your helps, I will try to install a new virtual Windows XP machine in Sun VirtualBox.

 

[Dzomlija]

That Windows genuine validation is still going on, and appears to be stuck. I'm closing it.

Thanks for your helps, I will try to install a new virtual Windows XP machine in Sun VirtualBox.

If it really is an old DOS game (Ihaven't check out the attachment you provided), then perhaps you might have better luck with a third party utility?

Give DOSBox a try...

 

[patio]

You should contact MS and have them re-validate this install...

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Isn't there any way to run those programs? I need simpler way than using a virual PC, because that is the last option.

There might be.

I went through a similar issue with Photoshop 4, a 1998 era application that has a 16 bit installation program. I couldn't get it to install on Win 7 64 bit, so I went with 32 bit Win 7---and Photoshop 4 works fine on 32 bit.

A few months after I installed Win 7 someone on this site provided a link to a 3rd party utility that he had used to get around the problem. I don't know, but I assume it was designed to work with any 16 bit installatiion issue on 64 bit Windows. The poster said it worked OK.

I looked at it briefly, but didn't pursue it because I had already gone with 32 bit and was satisfied.

I didn't save the link, so all I can tell you is that a possible solution is out there if you can find it----Google or otherwise.