Tech: Running Dos Program in windows XP

Subject: Tech: Running Dos Program in windows XP
From: GUEST,James H. Silver
Date: 23 Nov 03 - 05:43 PM

I am trying to run an RC AeroChopper Flight Simulator on a new PC. The Program was designed by Ambrosia Microcomputer Products, Inc., 98 W 63rd St. Suite 371, Willowbrook, Illinois 60514. This program runs in Dos mode.   This simulator plugs into the 9 pin port by means of an adapter reducing it down from 25 pin. The program ran well all through the years from windows 3.1 through windows 95. When I try to run the program
however on windows XP I get a small blank Dos Window with another box on the screen with the folowing message. "The System cannot open Com 1 port requested by the application". Any help or suggestions to get this program up and running would be greatly appreciated.

Subject: RE: Tech: Running Dos Program in windows XP
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 23 Nov 03 - 08:44 PM

Windows used to be two programs, the Windows GUI and it also had DOS along with it, which could be run separately (even though they didn't like to admit it). You'll notice that the Windows icon that in previous incarnations went to DOS is now called "Command Prompt", and refuses to open a full size window. It no longer runs a separate DOS setup, but just exercises certain integral parts of Windows XP. In Windows versions 98 and before, the reboot function gave a choice of rebooting to DOS; no more.

I can't say this for sure, but I'm thinking you're out of luck. Maybe somebody more knowledgeable can figure something for you.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Tech: Running Dos Program in windows XP
From: mack/misophist
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 12:31 PM

If the game is that important, consider keeping a separate '95 or '98 partition to run it on.

Subject: RE: Tech: Running Dos Program in windows XP
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 12:39 PM

In the old days, you could just boot any DOS from a floppy and ignore Windows entirely. Unfortunately, most WinXP drives use NTFS format, which cannot be read by any of the older DOS versions. If you boot to an old "real DOS" you won't be able to access your C:\ drive - usually.

If your program will fit on a floppy, along with enough DOS to run the machine, there's still a possibility that you could boot an older DOS version for this application. If you have an auxiliary drive, something like a ZIP or a second hard drive formatted in FAT, you might be able to run from one of those, even without being able to access C:\.

One of the reasons why XP is more stable and "safer" than older Win versions is that it almost absolutely prevents direct disk access, and direct access to all external devices. Everything has to be "handed over" via the Windows Protection Layer. Quite a few older, especially DOS or "DOSSY," programs used direct access with methods that were "questionable" even in the old days. These programs will not generally run if XP can find a way block them.

Since you're getting a message that COM1 can't be identified, it's possible that your COM1 setup could be "adjusted," but I'd be dubious that the problem is there. In XP, Start - Settings - Control Panel, then select Administrative Tools - Computer Management - Device Manager, to get to where you can look at your COM1 setup. Be sure to record the original settings before you change anything - and of course, you'll have to figure out what to change them to if they don't look right. If your program is using an INT21 call to connect directly to the port (Always illegal and undocumented, but frequently used and it used to work pretty well) then WinXP won't allow it, no matter what you do to the settings.

There are a number of methods of "Dual Booting," that you could use to run your machine with an older operating system, but most require an almost complete rebuild - reformat and reinstall from scratch. Several 'catters use such things, and perhaps one of them can advise.

Have you checked with the program builder to see if there's a "new and vastly improved WinXP upgrade?"

John