Running 16-bit SimCity Classic on Windows 7

[maximum411]

So I just got a new computer and it is running Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit). I'd like to play SimCity Classic (which worked on my old XP machine), but it won't install since it is a 16-bit application. I tried using DosBox, and I'm pretty sure that isn't going to work either. XP mode seems like it would be perfect, but I only have Home Premium so I can't use it. What other options do I have?

Thanks

 

[fseal]

If you have an XP install disk and reg code you can DL and install "VirtualBox" a free virtual machine program. You can then install XP in a virtual machine and run it that way (Same thing as "XP Mode" but more flexible, can install other OSes, DOS Win3.1 Linux etc as well).

 

[Orbital Shark]

Hi, and welcome to the forums

Does the game have a Windows installer? e.g. can it be installed from within Windows or is it DOS only...

You might want to look at running it with http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/316-compatibility-mode.html for XP


OS

 

[maximum411]

I unfortunately don't have the XP install disk- the OS just came installed on the computer.
I'll try compatibility mode and let you know how that goes.
Thanks

 

[maximum411]

Ok so no matter which OS I choose in compatibility mode I still get a message saying the program I am running is incompatible with this version of Windows.

 

[Orbital Shark]

After a breif search it looks like 16bit apps will not work on 64bit architecture, not without the use of some virtual OS software like VirtualBox or VmLite

This article outlines some of the specifics.

The x64-based versions of the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 operating systems and Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition do not support 16-bit programs, 16-bit processes, or 16-bit components. However, these 64-bit versions of Windows may recognize some 16-bit installers and automatically convert the 16-bit installer to a 32-bit installer.

OS

 

[maximum411]

Is it possible for me to somehow get XP so that I can run it on a virtual machine?

 

[Orbital Shark]

Unfortunately, Home Premium users cannot download Windows XP mode

Download Windows XP Mode

Hopefully someone will be able to assist in more detail

 

[fseal]

Is it possible for me to somehow get XP so that I can run it on a virtual machine?

Well you need an XP install disk and a reg code. :/ No way to just get one out of thin air and it's certainly not worth buying a new copy for that one game I imagine.

A possibly free but painfully complex way of getting it to work may be to install VirtualBox, then Ubuntu, then get WINE (a windows emulator of sorts) installed on Ubuntu and trying to run the game in there. I'm not an expert at that, you would have to research it yourself. Google for "Sim City Clasic on Wine" or "Sim City Classic on Linux" and see if anyone else has done it.