The Glory of DOS

[Flynn]

In the early days of computer gaming, DOS was king. Hundreds of good games were made during that era, games that I would like to play again. Unfortunately, Windows XP does not have a DOS component, and many of these games are now unplayable. I have used utilities such as Abandon Loader and VMSound, but these only go so far. Does anyone know of any user friendly DOS emulation utilities that I could use?

[Perndog]

Windows 95 compatibility mode + VDMSound + your favorite slowdown utility if necessary. I haven't yet found a game that won't work. I don't know how to use VESA graphics (Duke Nukem 3D), though...

[Flynn]

That setup does work well for most games. There are still a few that refuse to work, however. I've always wanted to play Judgement Rites and Koshan Conspiracy again, but even with the windows 95 compatibility + VDMSound + slow down utility, they still don't work. I've heard about programs that can emulate DOS, such as DOSBOX, but the program is far from user friendly, and I have not been able to get it to work. The only other options I've seen are professionally made PC emulators that cost mucho dinero, dinero that I do not have. Does anyone have any idea how I could get these classics to work again?

[executioneer]

multiboot

-willie

[Sergeant_Tibbs]

Just buy a 486 from a pawn shop or something.

[AChimp]

Yeah, that's what I'd do.

Set up a P2-233 with Windows 98, and you'll be able to run everything from pre-1999 without a problem.

[Flynn]

I recently downloaded the new version of DOSBOX, and it seems to work fine for just about everything. Looks like I won't have to buy that 486 afterall.

[Mike]

Actually, XP can emulate DOS most of the time. Just boot it up in VGA mode.


1. Restart the computer.

2. When you get to the screen with the instruction to press F2 at the bottom, press F8 instead. I find that it won't work unless I hold it down for about a second.

3. Choose the option to restart in VGA mode and press enter to accept the option. After this it'll display a screen asking if you want to run Windows XP. Press enter.

4.When you get back to windows everything is going to look gigantic on your screen and XP may put up a sign to bitch at you about the resolution. Pay no attention to that bullshit. Your DOS program will now run. When you want to go back to the normal mode, just change the resolution back to whatever you had it on before or restart your computer.