How to use vDOS to run old DOS programs on Windows 10

If you're feeling nostalgic for 8-bit games or need to run some old software, 32-bit Windows 10 is not compatible. You need to do a few things to be able to run old DOS programs on newer 64-bit versions of Windows.

You can use vDos to run old DOS software if needed, although this is not a suitable option for gaming. This article will guide you how to use this software to run old DOS programs on Windows 10.

1. How to run games, old software on Windows 10
2. How to run old software on Windows 10 with Compatibility Mode
3. Summary of DOS commands in MS-DOS

What is vDos?

To allow older DOS programs to run on newer Windows platforms, you need to use a virtual DOS machine (NTVDM). 32-bit Windows has this virtual machine but 64-bit versions do not. Instead, Windows users will see a warning pop up saying they can't run DOS programs.

vDos is a third-party DOS emulator, replacing Windows NTVDM technology. When running DOS software via vDos, it loads in its own window, adds network and print support, provides clipboard access and allows direct access to system files.

However, vDos is not the only DOS emulator. DOSBOX is an alternative solution, primarily designed for old DOS games that vDos cannot run. You can also use vDosPlus but vDos gets updates much more frequently.

How to install vDos

If you want to install vDos, go to the vDos download page by following the link below and download the setup program. The installation process is very easy, you just need to open the installer and follow the instructions.

 https://www.vdos.info/download.html 

Make sure to allow vDos to patch and update to the latest version during the installation process.

After installation is complete, you can open vDos from the Start menu.

vDos comes with a trial version of DataPerfect, an old DOS database tool. The initial configuration file will automatically load DataPerfect at runtime. If vDos works, DataPerfect will load in its window.

If vDos works correctly, close the test window and access the vDos installation directory (usually C: vDos).

Open the autoexec.txt file and delete everything listed there before saving and closing.

Open vDos again and you should see the typical C: prompt. From here, you can run any favorite DOS software.

How to use vDos

When the initial vDos boot configuration is deleted, you will see a DOS prompt every time you run the vDos program. There are many interesting DOS software options available online that you can use to download, from text-based web browsers to graphical editing tools.

To run old DOS software, download your favorite software and place it in the same directory as vDos (eg C: vDos). This directory is considered to be the original C: directory.

Use the dir command to list files in the current directory, then use the cd command followed by the directory name to move to that directory. Type . to go up a directory.

At the DOS C: prompt, type the name of the DOS software EXE file and press Enter . DOS software will load in the vDos window, ready for use.

Run DOS on Windows 10

Not only is it obsolete, it is also old-fashioned with the last release of MS-DOS nearly 20 years ago, but it makes it possible for users to run older software. Support for DOS is still popular for those who want to play DOS games in Windows.

I wish you successful implementation!