Solved Trying to run an old (possibly 16 bit) program in 64-bit windows 7

[win7user2010]

Hi, there is a program I am trying to install and run on my 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium. I believe this may be a 16-bit program (or 32 bit), I'm not sure at this time, but when I try to install it, the program says it is not compatible with my version of windows.

The program is called Bioplume III and is available at Bioplume III for CSMoS Modeling Software | Risk Management Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Research | US EPA if anyone wants to see if it they can find a way for it to install and run on Windows 7 64 bit.

If there is any way for me to run and install this program on my system, please advise me.

Thank you

 

[Maguscreed]

I was able to install it using this
DOSBox - free opensource DOS & X86 Emulator for Windows & Linux | Windows Reference

Then right clicking the main application file choosing properties - compatibility tab - and setting it for windows 98/me compatibility mode

The installer apparently doesn't like 64bit operating systems.

 

[sygnus21]

As Maguscreed has stated 16-bit apps aren't supported on 64-bit OS'

64-bit versions of Windows do not support 16-bit components, 16-bit processes, or 16-bit applications

And yeah the age and requirements of that program says It won't install on a 64-bit OS, especially Windows 7 x64

Have you tried contacting the EPA to see what comaptible replacement there may be?

Sorry

 

[win7user2010]

so short of upgrading to Windows 7 Professional, there are nothing I can do to get this program to run on my current system? There are no free (and legal) emulators that will allow the program to run?

 

[sygnus21]

I'm sure there are some emulators out there that'll fit the need but I'm not familiar with them.

And upgrading to Windows 7 professional x64 isn't going to allow a 16-bit app to install. I posted a link for you to look at. You might want to check it.

Peace

 

[Britton30]

Hi win7user, I just downloaded and installed the program on Win7 Ult 64bit . I dl'd the .zip and extracted it to my desktop (lotsa files), run the installer with no issues. You might try right clicking on the .exe for it then select it to run in compatibility mode for Win7, XP, or Vista and see if one works for you.

 

[sygnus21]

Well there you go. I didn't even try to run it myself.

BTW Britton is it a 16-bit installer? I assumed it was looking at the version date.

And what version is it?

Thanks

 

[win7user2010]

I tried the different compatibility settings and couldn't get the INSTALL.exe file to run.

I wonder how windows 7 ultimate was able to run and install it without going into XP Mode.

If there is no easy/free fix for me for my system, I will probably just have to use one of the older computers in the home to use that program.

But again I really appreciate everyone's assistance, this is my favorite place to get useful advice and help on windows and computer issues.

Thank you all

 

[Britton30]

I don't really know how to tell if it's a 16bit. The file was created on 2/14/1996. :sarc:
It is bioplume III and says Version 1 on the splash screen.

Edit: My bad, what I installed in on is a pre-beta version of Win 8, but Win 7 should be the same.

 

[Maguscreed]

the installer is a 16-bit DOS level app.
If someone has managed to install it, I believe if they just rezipped and uploaded the install folder this person could run the application without trouble.
I don't know why an installer is even included with it as it's win 95/pre-registry level software it's basically just a collection of files that need to be dropped in one folder in c:\programname

I would do it myself but I was using a virtual environment when I ran it so there was nothing left when I closed out to work with.

 

[sygnus21]

I don't really know how to tell if it's a 16bit. The file was created on 2/14/1996. :sarc:
It is bioplume III and says Version 1 on the splash screen.

Edit: My bad, what I installed in on is a pre-beta version of Win 8, but Win 7 should be the same.

Well considering the OP said it can't, and if it's a 16-bit app well.....

However if my understanding is correct, there is no 64-bit version of Win 8 floating about yet? Meaning that if the system is 32-bit, than yeah, I can see it installing on a 32-bit OS.

Anyway I don't feel like attempting an install on my Win 7 machine so I'll have to take his word that it won't install.

 

[Britton30]

Yup, it is 32bit.

 

[win7user2010]

the installer is a 16-bit DOS level app.
If someone has managed to install it, I believe if they just rezipped and uploaded the install folder this person could run the application without trouble.
I don't know why an installer is even included with it as it's win 95/pre-registry level software it's basically just a collection of files that need to be dropped in one folder in c:\programname

I would do it myself but I was using a virtual environment when I ran it so there was nothing left when I closed out to work with.

I went to my old computer and installed the program, (it works on there, windows xp), then I made the zip file of the program folder and then unzipped it to my current system. When I try to run the application (Eisbiop.exe in the RELEASE folder), I get the same "this version is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running" error. I tried the different compatibility modes, no success.

Thank you though for your suggestion. At least it runs on the older computer.

 

[win7user2010]

I got it to work!

I downloaded VirtualBox, and I happened to have a Windows 7 32-bit upgrade disk that I purchased from microsoft last year.

Using VirtualBox I installed Windows 7 32 bit as a virtual machine using the "custom" option on the windows install disk.

Everything worked! And I was able to successfully install and run the bioplume program. I have to activate windows in 30 days but I should be done by then. I have my product key from the purchase, but I have no idea what will happen if I use it, so I'm not sure I want to do that now since I won't really need it after the 30 days.

What an interesting solution!

 

[sygnus21]

Yeah it'll work on a 32-bit system, even if you didn't use Virtual Box, It just won't install on a 64-bit system.

Glad to see you got it installed.

Peace

 

[Britton30]

Glad you got it to run for you. Good solution.