Another computer problem

[chrisd]

I bet this one is difficult. I have a pc that crashed this morning. In it I have an old DOS programme that I need for work. I know all the files and stuff are in the pc but using the usual DOS prompt commands isn't opening the programme - has anyone any ideas how to open it?

 

[ScienceBoy]

If you in XP or vista command prompt is different to DOS. A DOS emulator might help

 

[chrisd]

If you in XP or vista command prompt is different to DOS. A DOS emulator might help

sorry?

I don't understand


Chris

 

[ScienceBoy]

Sorry I was thinking about doing it on an XP or vista machine and using a DOS emulator.

Maybe someone with more DOS experience can help. I do remember running MFS 95 from it

 

[PhilTheFragger]

im a Pc Engineer,

can you tell me about the crashed machine
what operating system does it have?

roughly how old is it

and also tell me same about the machine you are trying to run the program on now.

Cheers

Fragger

 

[chrisd]

Hi Fragger thanks for your posting

The machine is about 5 years old pc running XP

It went wrong this morning but put everything on it in a large file. I have taken out and reinstalled some of the prgrammes I need

The problem one is a DOS programme that I have to go into the virtual dos on xp, type in a couple of commands and then the programme menu appears, I can then input and export the stuff I need (invoices). I have had this before and the programme writer got me to write in a small dos programme to get in but I cant contact him now to re do it

Chris

 

[surefire]

Chris,

If its a program originally written for DOS, download DOSBox and run it in that.

http://www.dosbox.com/

The Windows command prompt isn't a full featured DOS, but DOSBox does a good job of emulation.

 

[RobCowan]

Chrisd,

1. What program is it you are trying to run?
2. What commands do you enter in the command prompt in order to run the program?
3. What error messages are you getting?

Rob.

 

[chrisd]

Thanks all for your postings

I finally got hold of the program original creator, nipped back to the office this evening and he talked me through to getting the program running. It was complicated and only he could do it.

You are all a great bunch for the way you tried to help - thanks!

 

[viscount17]

an early bp then, have a good day.

and you did write down the fix, didn't you?

 

[chrisd]

an early bp then, have a good day.

and you did write down the fix, didn't you?

The guy was doing the fix over the phone and, sadly, as it would help my golf, I only have 2 hands! I intend to try and get a proper backup but the guy doesnt want people to be able to understand the program too well as it could be pirated.

Chris

 

[surefire]

Feel free to refuse, but I am curious now, what does this program do?

I am curious about soemthing old enough to be written for DOS that someone is worried about piracy of the software!

 

[chrisd]

Feel free to refuse, but I am curious now, what does this program do?

I am curious about soemthing old enough to be written for DOS that someone is worried about piracy of the software!

I own a plant and tool hire company and this program does my invoices. Invoicing in my industry can be very complicated and when the program was written and installed (1995) he wrote and installed it in a way that stopped piracy, it was written on some 10 floppies and had bits in various places on the computer. As I have to use the Dos prompt to open it the fact that some files were in the wrong place meant that I couldnt get through the menu system.


Chris

 

[Leftie]

In your position, I would be starting to worry just a little bit.

If the software/computer system fails and can't be restored to good health quickly, will that cause you and your business a problem?? What would happen in the worst scenario if the system went down, and your man was not contactable/unavailable/dead?

There are masses of solutions out there that have moved on 15 years and are written for modern systems and have the advantage that many companies are using them so the support should be fine and not cause you the worries that prompted you to post about it on a golf forum.

 

[surefire]

I agree with the above comments, although perhaps I would replace the word worry with a bit of thinking about the future.

I know there are some industries still using very old computing software, just recent I saw a big business using a modern server emulating punch cards. However these tend to be huge systems that are very painfull to migrate.

If you're running something on a desktop PC, you shouldn't be having the same headaches if you want to upgrade.

Is there really nothing out there which is built on a more modern architecture, and can do the same thing?
If not I know there are a couple of other computer people in this forum, perhaps we should get together and produce something. "This time neaxt year Rodders..."

 

[RobCowan]

And I'm going to agree with Leftie & Surefire. Anything in your business that relies on one person knowing everything, especially when a) they are not a part of your company, and b) money is involved (both with his charges and storage of your invoices), is too great a risk to take.

Just taking a quick google around has thrown up the links below which should give you a good idea of what is out there. The beauty of modern systems like this is that they can also integrate into a mainstream accounting package such as Sage Line 50 making the accounting side easier for both yourself and your accountant.

These guys should usually be able to take the data from your old system too and import it directly into your chosen new system.

Syrinx

A few hire packages

MCS Rental software solutions

RobC.

 

[chrisd]

Thanks for all your comments and input. The truth is that I have had the program for about 16 years and it has needed assistance only 2 or 3 times. I am planning to get out of the business within 2 years (hopefully sooner) and most of the bespoke packages are an "arm and leg" to buy. So, if I can nurse it along to the end I will be happy. I have got all the program on a memory stick and also my home laptop and, in the end, the only thing that stopped it working was that, in the computers malfunction, for some reason, 2 files ended up in the wrong place. It seems to be fine now and I do , once again, have access to the program writer.

Cheers to all of you that gave help


Chris