DOS Virtual Machine/Emulator

[Brazen]

Has anybody successfully used a DOS virtual machine on Windows 2000 in a business environment? We are thinking of going with DOSBox to run an old DOS application that will not run under Windows 2000, but we would like feedback on DOSBox or other DOS emulators.

Thanks

 

[mikecel79]

I have used Virtual PC with pretty good success. I'm pretty sure you can download a trial of it from Microsoft's site.

 

[LiLithTecH]

None of the DOS Emulators work 100% (50-50 chance your app will work).

The one I have had the Best luck with is Virtual PC (using an earlier version - before Microsoft).
Microsoft offers a free Trial on their website so that you could test the apps before purchasing.

 

[CTho9305]

Virtual PC isn't a DOS emulator - it's a computer emulator. You'll still need to get DOS to install it on the virtual machine that gets created. Same goes for VMware. However, both should be 100% compatible with DOS software since they're running MS-DOS, or at least as compatible as real hardware running real dos (e.g. if the app requires a hercules or CGA video adapter, you're screwed no matter what ).

 

[boran]

Originally posted by: CTho9305
Virtual PC isn't a DOS emulator - it's a computer emulator. You'll still need to get DOS to install it on the virtual machine that gets created. Same goes for VMware. However, both should be 100% compatible with DOS software since they're running MS-DOS, or at least as compatible as real hardware running real dos (e.g. if the app requires a hercules or CGA video adapter, you're screwed no matter what ).

the disadvantage of VMware in this matter is that it'll utilise 100% of yer proc, you might want to find a way to throttle it to a certain level, because it certainly wont ened 100% of yer processor speed.

 

[CTho9305]

Originally posted by: boran

Originally posted by: CTho9305
Virtual PC isn't a DOS emulator - it's a computer emulator. You'll still need to get DOS to install it on the virtual machine that gets created. Same goes for VMware. However, both should be 100% compatible with DOS software since they're running MS-DOS, or at least as compatible as real hardware running real dos (e.g. if the app requires a hercules or CGA video adapter, you're screwed no matter what ).

the disadvantage of VMware in this matter is that it'll utilise 100% of yer proc, you might want to find a way to throttle it to a certain level, because it certainly wont ened 100% of yer processor speed.

VMWare doesn't use 100% of my CPU time except when the virtual machine is doing something. Bochs isn't as userfriendly, and runs a LOT slower (because it's not meant for the same thing as VMware), but the virtual machine speed can be limited.

 

[Smilin]

Virtual PC and VMware both will only consume 100% of your CPU if you have excess idle time. Each can be configured to only use what CPU is leftover from other processes.

I would recommend VPC. It should run DOS just fine or even an older 9x operating system if your app still works under that and you want a GUI.