answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Itching to play Commander Keen, Duke Nukem, Zork!, or perhaps the original Leisure Suit Larry? All of these vintage DOS classics require DOSbox to play on a modern computer. Not only can DOSBox emulate DOS games and DOS applications on a PC or Mac, it can also be ported to the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, or Playstation 3 if you have the necessary firmware.

How to Download and Install DOSBox

Downloading DOSBox is easy; it's free and widely available from the official website. Simply navigate to the download tab and begin downloading your file. Run the installation executable and install as per usual.

Following the installation of DOSBox, a shortcut should be added to both your Quick Start menu as well as to the general treed application menu. Find the program and run it in order to see the command line, the basis of your experience with the program.

How to Use Commands in DOSBox, the Command Line Interface

DOSBox emulates DOS, or Disk Operating System, which powered many computers of the late 1980's into the 1990's, and was the standard operating system upon which Windows was initially integrated with Windows 3.1. While it is a bit more difficult for many modern users to understand, the command line interface is not actually that arcane and most basic commands are all that is necessary. Should the basic commands prove to be inadequate, several GUI's or graphical user interfaces have been developed to ease the learning curve.

The most common commands in DOS are:

  • cd\directoryname -This command, which stands for change directory, will advance the navigation into the directory named.
  • Dir /p -This command displays the contents of the directory you are currently residing in, as well as if there are nesting directories higher up, delineated by a [..]
  • Driveletter: - Where driverletter is normally C: on a standard computer, and may range from B: to D: to Z: in states of emulation. Most common is D:
  • run program.exe - Fairly self-explanatory, this command is the powerhorse of DOS. Simply put, line up your executable with the run command and let fly, hoping that DOSBox is compatible enough with the game to provide a stable experience.

While there are plenty of other commands at your disposal, these will be the great majority of the tasks you will be undertaking in the OS. Remember, DOSBox has been successfully ported to the consoles as well (Wii, Xbox 360, PS3) and so can be installed and run perfectly on custom firmware.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How to Run DOS Software or Abandonware using DOSBox?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Is there a port of DOSBox to DOS?

No. However, it is possible to run the Windows version of DOSBox under MS-DOS and compatibles using HX DOS Extender. HX DOS Extender allows you to run a limited number of Windows applications under DOS. DOSBox, QEMU, Bochs, and a couple other emulators can be run using this method.


What is a DOSBox Directory?

DOSBox is an emulator which emulates an IBM PC compatible computer running MS-DOS. It is intended especially for use with old PC games. DOSBox is free software.


Is the dos version of fallout 1 considered abandonware?

No, Fallout 1 is not abandonware.


Will toonstruck work on vista?

Toonstruck is a DOS based game and will not work on Vista without using DOSBOX.


Is it possible to play the ms dos version of stonekeep on Windows XP?

Most programs for DOS can be run in a modern operating system using DOSBox or Qemu.


Is it possible to play the MS-DOS version of Stonekeep on Windows XP?

Most programs for DOS can be run in a modern operating system using DOSBox or Qemu.


How can you play popcorn dos game on Windows XP?

with dosbox


How to run Aladdin dos based game?

Use any dos emulator like DOSBox


Should a system require ms dos for downloading turbo c plus plus software?

Only for downloading: no, for actually running it: yes (or better dosbox).


How do you play dungeon keeper on vista?

Dungeon Keeper plays well by using DosBox, the speed is still a bit more then on using old dos, but it is manageable.


What are the dos command use in Windows 98?

DOS in XP - ComputersSTART > PROGRAMS > ACCESSORIES > Command PromptIts not exactly DOS, bot it is the closest thing within the XP OS.For a MUCH easier shortcut that anyone can remember....WINDOWS KEY + R > type "cmd" > EnterTakes around 3-4 seconds =D


Can you run DOS programs in Windows 7?

Use DosBox http://www.dosbox.com/