Run 16 Bit Programs on WIN7x64

joeyc100

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I have over 10 legacy 16 bit programs that I use and want to run them with WIN7x64. I installed the NTDVMx64 driver and it works for running the pre-compiled programs. But, the Microsoft 16 bit Fortran compiler, or Macro Assembler will not run if I want to modify these programs. Has anyone used NTDVMx64 in this manner?
 

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asus x541sa
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Have you right clicked on the exe and set compatability it often works
 

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PC/Desktop
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win 8 32 bit
Thanks for your response.
Compatibility mode for Win7 does not help since it does not differentiate between x86 and x64.
The programs always ran on Win7x86.
MASM does run now that i remembered to add PATH E:\DOS to the Environment Variables in Advanced System Properties.
But Fortran still goes not.
Joe.
 

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Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
asus x541sa
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windows 7 ultimatex64
64 bits Windows have completely removed the ability to run 16 bits programs, either DOS or Widows based.

On the other hand NTDVMx64 is a project based on the leaked Windows source code, from older versions. That's a very big red flag on its stability and reliability of its operation (not to mention of legally and ethically questionable at best), not to mention the lack of capability of being up to date with the Windows modifications from that time to now, should that become necesary. The only thing I can say is, don't use it.

You may want to try to use
winevdm instead, which is based on the open source project Wine, a widely used and actively maintained program originally meant to run Windows programs on Linux. While it for sure doesn't ensures 100% correct operation, I would trust it much more rather than someone trying to leverage Microsoft leaks.

Neither are of course completely perfect projects, and such kind of support is an enormous undertake. I tried the Wine-based alternative and it works mostly ok for simple programs, but some games crash or fail in some way or another. This could be the case of the compilers you're trying to run. It ultimately depends on which Windows APIs they're trying to use and which operations are doing, and the support by the emulation engine.

My recommendation would be, enjoy what you have, but don't expect miracles from such an undertake. If you really need those programs (be the already built or the compilers + source code) and those fails under those emulators, find another way to run them. DOSBox is normally the way for DOS-based programs, and a virtual machine with a 32 (or even 16) bits Windows would be far more reliable than trying to add x16 support to x64 Windows. Specially when trying to run Microsoft software that is known to use "dirty tricks" to increase compatibility, relying often on undocumented features.
 

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Toshiba Sattelite A665-S6092
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Windows 7 Ultimate x64
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Intel Core i7-740QM
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8 GB DDR3
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NVIDIA GeForce 330GT
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I don't like using DOSBOX because it is so clumsy, requiring multiple copies with different config files all over my computer(s). I want something that is seamless.
I have been using NTVDMx64 for a while now and it works well, absent the Fortran compiler.
I can't get Winevdm to install. If I click on install, or install within the .inf file, I get a brief flash then nothing.
Also nothing if I use the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
I do thank you for your response.
Joe.
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
asus x541sa
OS
windows 7 ultimatex64
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