Turning an old PC into a "dos box" ?

[BoaConstrictor]

So, I've recently gotten this idea in my head to turn one of my older computers (1ghz Thunderbird) PC's into a dedicated computer just for playing MS Dos games, instead of using Dos Box or whatever on my current PC (which won't run on my PC anyway). Anyone here done this before?

I'm thinking of just doing a clean format and installing Windows 98?

[Steve R Jones]

OK...Thanks for sharing?

Or did you have a question...

[Vindir]

Haven't had a want to before, sounds like a solid enough plan though.

[James]

For what it's worth, I would almost suggest looking for an ultra cheap Via based mini-itx board from that same era. Not because it's super small, but because they are super power efficient compared to old P4's and Thunderbird CPU's. Or if you can track one down, a PIII. At the time they were the most efficient of the offerings.

[BoaConstrictor]

OK...Thanks for sharing?

Or did you have a question...

Its pretty cool when people read posts before commenting!

Anyone here done this before?

Anyone here done this before?

Anyone here done this before?

[drdoom]

I've thought about it but my DOS skills that I developed tweaking autoexec.bat's and config.sys' are long gone. I just don't have time to relearn another OS. I can barely keep up with WinXP/Win7/Linux. I have thought about a Win98 computer so I can run Mechwarrior 3. I have not been able to get it running on WinXP. What games are you dying to play that you can't get going in DOS Box?

[Steve R Jones]

Its pretty cool when people read posts before commenting!



Anyone here done this before?

Funny guy. Yes, I've installed win98 many times... What's the point in knowing that - or should we convert the thread into a poll

[BoaConstrictor]

I've thought about it but my DOS skills that I developed tweaking autoexec.bat's and config.sys' are long gone. I just don't have time to relearn another OS. I can barely keep up with WinXP/Win7/Linux. I have thought about a Win98 computer so I can run Mechwarrior 3. I have not been able to get it running on WinXP. What games are you dying to play that you can't get going in DOS Box?

Having a lot of problems trying to get Arena to work (the first Elder Scrolls game) :/

[drdoom]

Having a lot of problems trying to get Arena to work (the first Elder Scrolls game) :/

I think I have that working in DOS Box under Win7. I can check and see if you would like.

[pletharoe]

OK, splitting hairs here, but Win98 isn't really DOS is it?

T-Bird was released in 2000, so you shouldn't have any problems with drivers etc. As long as you don't plug any modern exotica in.

It might be a good idea to pull it apart and clean out all the dust from the heat sink and fan. You'd be amazed at how much clogs up in there. Once you've opened it up, take it outside and "waft" it in the air. Hold your breath as you do this as it goes everywhere!

Alternatively you could just dual boot your current machine, either the traditional way or with two hard drives and manually selecting which one to boot from.

Have fun.

p.s. If you're after some real fun, try cooling it with mineral oil to really overclock it. There's plenty of info online as to how to do this. Basically you remove the fan and immerse the entire motherboard in oil. The oil has a very high specific heat capacity so it removes heat from components very efficiently and it doesn't conduct electricity. I did this with a Pentium 90 (90MHz) and easily got it to something like 130MHz which was the maximum the board would allow.

[JabberJaw]

I think I have that working in DOS Box under Win7. I can check and see if you would like.

Would love to get my legacy AutoCAD R12 with AccuRender running in Dosbox on a Win7 computer... I tried but i guess i dont have the right skillz :P