dosbox vs VM?

[kujoe2002]

I have an old government program I'm trying to get running on my laptop and dual boot is not working. I need a 32 bit version. I understand dosxbox and a VM can solve this issue. Which would you recommend? I tried linux but the program wont work with linux. I'm not running a game and I've only seen dosbox affiliated with gaming.

[Steve R Jones]

It really depends on what the old app needs...

A "VM" as in Virtual Machine would allow you to install Win XP or any other OS and then you'd install the old government program. You'd need a valid, unused OS for the VM installation.

[SpywareDr]

I have an old government program I'm trying to get running...
I tried linux but the program wont work with linux.

Which Operating System does the 'old government program' require?

[kujoe2002]

Which Operating System does the 'old government program' require?

its the CAPS software and I think it runs on 16bit because it would not run (even in Compatibility mode) for Windows 7 64. It worked for the IT agent but when I asked them, they were using Win 7 32 bit. We tried multiple copies of the program on several of my machines to no avail. It seems like running dual boot is an issue with laptops particularly when it comes to two different versions (64 vs 32). I was hoping I could run it via ubuntu or sliTaz but this program is specifically for windows....

[SpywareDr]

How to Install and use Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

Using Windows XP Mode, you can run programs that were designed for Windows XP on computers running Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate editions. Windows XP Mode is not supported on Windows 8.

Windows XP Mode works in two ways -- both as a virtual operating system and as a way to open programs within Windows 7. It runs in a separate window on the Windows 7 desktop, much like a program, except it's a fully-functional, fully-licensed version of Windows XP. In Windows XP Mode, you can access your physical computer's CD/DVD drive, install programs, save files, and perform other tasks as if you were using a computer running Windows XP.

When you install a program in Windows XP Mode, the program appears in both the Windows XP Mode list of programs and in the Windows 7 list of programs, so you can open the program directly from Windows 7.
...

[kujoe2002]

How to Install and use Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

I only have 7 Home Premium. Seeing as HP does everything I need, I dont see a reason to upgrade. Especially since this is only for one program and only for the laptop..

[RealBeast]

I would use DOSBOX, which I have run on Win 7 32 and 64 bit machines to run very old DOS games. They have a fair online manual and its setup is pretty straightforward if you still recall the old dos commands or have a reference (like me since my memory sometimes fails on very old stuff).

For more complex stuff I create a specific VM using VMWare Workstation, which is way more than what you would need.

[SpywareDr]

I only have 7 Home Premium.

If you have a legal copy of Windows XP, you can recreate XP Mode with the free VMware Player:

Create an XP Mode for Windows 7 Home Versions & Vista

[kujoe2002]

I do have a legal copy. I got it working on Virtual Box. I thought VMWare was at cost so I got VirtualBox which is also free.

[SpywareDr]

Good to hear you got XP working on Virtual Box. Question is though, is the "old government program" program working okay on that setup?

"VMware Player" is free. The various versions are available on this page.

[kujoe2002]

Good to hear you got XP working on Virtual Box. Question is though, is the "old government program" program working okay on that setup?

"VMware Player" is free. The various versions are available on this page.

Yea. I ended up creating a VCD too so I didn't have to lug around the CD everytime I wanted to run the software.

[SpywareDr]

Yep, just noticed that over in your other thread. Good to hear you've got it working again.

[Marksmi]

Hello,
You said it right, Dosbox is associated with gaming. Dosbox starts up faster than starting up a virtual machine. However in your case you might consider the virtual machine option. The 2 most important aspects of a VM is that it allows the user to set permissions and it also controls hardware use on your machine. These hardware are: the hard disk and memory (RAM). If you would like more information about virtual machine and its advantages and disadvantages, you can visit the link below.
http://www.techyv.com/questions/virt...-disadvantages

[Wurm]

Good to hear you got XP working on Virtual Box. Question is though, is the "old government program" program working okay on that setup?

"VMware Player" is free. The various versions are available on this page.

Only problem with the player, is it no longer includes the VM tools which installs all the virtual drivers the VM needs.

If you go with VMWARE in the future first sign up for the free trail of VM Workstation, create the VM in it and then uninstall it after installing the VM tools then install VM Player to run the VM you created in VM Workstation.

Oh and the VM tools are a *.iso file found in the Workstation installation folder, you might want to copy it to somewhere else while you are at it in case you need it later for your VM Player