XP compatibility with old DOS-based program

[INArtCtr]

I am in the process of upgrading 25 workstations from WIN98 to XP, and all is going smoothly so far (doing clean installs). Our gift shop manager, however, utilizes an old DOS-based program for her inventory and sales records. I have run Microsoft's Upgrade Advisor on her machine and it did not flag the program, but I am reluctant to upgrade her machine until I know what will happen to this program. I am almost positive that the company that developed the software (Silver Lining from Modesto) no longer exisits, but if anyone knows differently, I'd love to hear it! All thoughts are appreciated....

 

[aquias]

Well, I don't know the software or the company, however you can (if the program is a pure DOS app) copy the application to an XP machine and attempt to run it.

XP does have the ability to run older programs and DOS based system, if the system doesn't immediately launch, which it should (Currently we utilize two DOS based systems here), go to the properties tab on the application and choose the compatability mode. Test out the varying settings to see what works.

IMO, you should be fine. I would just copy the program over and test it out.

 

[bcastner]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;286705

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=294895

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...cf-2dee-4772-add9-ad0eaf89c4a7&DisplayLang=en

 

[INArtCtr]

Thanks, great idea.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that she has no idea where the original program floppies are (of course!) -- I am assuming that this program is old enough that it can be simply copied and not need to be installed?

 

[aquias]

Exactly, I haven't come across a true DOS based system that can't just be copied and pasted. Just make certain you test out everything after moving it to make certain there isn't a batch file or something hidden that is making a call to somewhere else on her drive.