Does Windows 7 support DOS applications?

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Due to the impending demise of Windows XP, I have been forced to purchase a PC running under Windows 7.
I have avoided following anything about any Windows OS’s thinking I could continue to use XP forever and ever.

I have the new PC, and two huge hardcopy books about W7. I have not found anything that tells me whether
W7 will support any DOS applications, some of which I still use on my XP PC.

Does W7 support DOS in any way. I recall seeing something about running in XP mode on a W7 PC.

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I have a couple DOS applications which I recompiled using the free Borland C++ compiler & linker to use the updated 32-bit functions.

These work flawlessly under Windows 7. I use them almost every day.

Where you will have problems is if you are trying to run 16-bit DOS programs. Most or all of the 16-bit programs will not run. I suggest you just try them and see.

There is the familiar DOS “Command Prompt” function under the Accessories folder in the Start Menu. If you run it you will see that all the familiar DOS commands still work. Just type “help” and you will see the list.

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Thank you for your very prompt reply.
Gosh darn, I wish I was more skilled, “using the free Borland C++ compiler & linker”. Wow, if only.
Nevertheless, I will try to load one or two of my DOS programs and see if they will work.
Besides using the DOS app that came in XP (I believe that is where the version I use in XP came from), I use a DOS-type application called SPFPC (an oldie but a darned good app). When I bought my current PC in Jan. 2006, I soon loaded the DOS version 6.1 disks that I had retained and used on my previous PC running
W95. I also continue to use the last DOS version of Quicken (as well as the Quicken Windows 2006 Version, I double post the same transactions in each).
Thanks again. Wish me luck.

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If it’s the same, the website for SPF/PC v4.4 suggests that it does work in Windows 7.

Hope this helps…

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The reference to Borland C++ was to illustrate the need for 32-bit applications. The applications I mentioned were written by me for the Win 98 environment.

Since you mentioned that you got the program around 2006, it may well be a 32-bit application and you are home free. Good Luck.

As for the DOS version of Quicken, I would be surprised if that is a 32-bit program. I think it is from before 1998.

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You may also want to check out Windows Virtual PC, Windows XP Mode

When you configure and start Windows XP Mode it turns you session into am XP desktop where you can install and run you XP apps and programs

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Here’s how you can easily run a DOS program in Windows 7:

Create a shortcut, and put the following for the target:
CMD /K
Then double click on the shortcut whenever you want to run the program.

For example, if your program was named QEDIT.EXE, and it was located in the C:DOSPrograms folder, you would put the following:
CMD /K C:DOSProgramsQEDIT.EXE

Putting the /K keeps the DOS window open until you close it (i.e. until you are ready to exit your DOS program).

You can find a lot of old icons in the following file:
C:WindowsSystem32moricons.dll

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 10 running in a remote session on my file server

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You can also run DOSbox. This DOS emulator is fantastic for my old DOS games.

cheers, Paul

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You can also run DOSbox. This DOS emulator is fantastic for my old DOS games.

cheers, Paul

What version of DOS does it run?

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 10 running in a remote session on my file server

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DOSbox is better than any of the other emulators. I haven’t found any DOS programs that couldn’t be configured to run. See the Wiki if you get stuck.
DOSbox will run fullscreen or windowed (Alt-enter). You can access the DOS files directly from Windows Explorer and make changes with Notepad etc.
One caveat: Direct serial port calls are blocked by the operating system. The program will otherwise function correctly.
If you need DOS serial ports then use FreeDos. You’ll have to build a dedicated boot/box.

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DosBox doesn’t actually run DOS (it doesn’t come with any utilities or other things you might expect from DOS), it is more of an emulator that runs programs that need DOS to run. And like Paul, I use it to run all of my old DOS games. You can read more at http://www.dosbox.com/wiki/Main_Page

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I want to thank everyone for their responses to my question.

I was caught up in the month-end rush that I must do, so I hadn’t had a chance to check for responses.

I will be looking into the most promising items (those that I think I can adapt with my skill level).

Thanks everyone.

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Windows 7 32 bit will run most likely your DOS programs.
64 bit editions of Windows won’t run any of them.

If you want a better experience and integration of your DOS programs with Windows: http://sourceforge.net/projects/vdos/
Even if using Windows 32 bits, you should have a look at vDos.

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Due to the impending demise of Windows XP, I have been forced to purchase a PC running under Windows 7.

The tales of an “impending demise of Windows XP” are exaggerated. Windows XP is not about to stop working; all that’s about to happen is that MS will stop issuing security updates for it. Provided you have a decent AV & firewall setup, XP should continue serving you well for a long time yet.

There is no need to rush out and buy either a new OS (PCs running XP will probably run Win 7) or a new PC just because MS is about to stop issuing security updates for XP.

Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

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