Windows 7 and DOS programs

[czezz]

A few computers with WinXP works at my small office.
These computers, shares an old DOS application (classic Clipper+dBase).

Unfortunately lately I had to replace one of WinXP with Windows 7 and the problems begins as DOS program wont work under Win7.

DOSbox is not an option here as it is shared application. Modifying shared files with dosbox is a bad idea. It overwrites data and mess up. Already tested .

So in this situation I want to ask anyone of you: do you have any workaround to start DOS program with Windows 7 ?

 

[x BlueRobot]

You could run a Windows XP VM on the Windows 7 machine, only suggestion I can think of without using DOSBox and messing with your data.

 

[czezz]

Thanks for this reply.
I was thinking of VM (VirtualPC/VirtualBox) as well. However it requires Windows XP license/Box version. Now a days it is impossible to buy :/ (Even Though I have already invested into a new workstation with OEM Operating System)

 

[x BlueRobot]

Are the other Windows XP machines OEMs or custom builds?

 

[Kari]

Thanks for this reply.
I was thinking of VM (VirtualPC/VirtualBox) as well. However it requires Windows XP license/Box version. Now a days it is impossible to buy :/ (Even Though I have already invested into a new workstation with OEM Operating System)

If your Windows 7 edition is Professional, Ultimate or Enterprise, you can download and install a free Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC (needed to run XP Mode) at Windows Virtual PC: Home Page.

The XP Mode is free for users of Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise. It is fully licenced and functioning Windows XP Pro Service Pack 3 virtual machine. You do not need a product key / licence to run it. It is intended to be used exactly in situations like yours.

Kari

 

[czezz]

I am away now but as far as I remember it is Professional version.
If so, I am very curious about that Windows XP Mode and Virtual PC.

As soon as I will be back (tonight probably), I will look at this. I assume I need to download some Windows XP image and Virtual PC. If so, that would be a very good solution.

@x BlueRobot: unfortunately, it is/was OEM.

 

[Kari]

The official Microsoft Windows Virtual PC download site I linked in my previous post includes both XP Mode virtual hard disk image (complete XP professional Service Pack 3), and Windows Virtual PC needed to run this image. Just follow instructions given on that official Microsoft site install XP mode.

You need no additional XP images or licences.

Kari