Virtual PC

[patrick55]

My O/S is Windows XP Pro. Keyboard is Logitech (usual style,PS2). Mouse is a USB Fellowes.

I downloaded a trial version of Virtual PC, installed it and then installed DOS v.6.20 from floppies. Virtual PC now boots up OK into DOS. I now wanted to install applications for DOS .e.g. XTree Gold, Norton (DOS), Word 6 (DOS) etc. I have all of these on floppy disks.

Normally, in a DOS system, one would put the floppy installation disk in Drive A, type A:/install and the program would be installed.

But with the Virtual PC, there is no facility to type anything. When it boots up into DOS and I type anything, nothing appears on the screen. The keyboard does not work. I can capture Drive A and the green light will come on when the disk is inserted but the application program will not be installed because no command to install has been given. I was able to install DOS from floppies because the installation program did not require me to type "Install".

What should I do in order to install my DOS programs from floppy disks onto the Virtual PC?

Thanks in advance.

[XtremeMaC]

if u're on trial version of vpc maybe try vmware?

i dunno about vpc sorry....

[Aaron]

There was an issue with earlier Virtual PC versions that caused the keyboard to disappear, make sure you're on at least Connectix Virtual PC 5.1/5.2 or Microsoft Virtual PC.

[patrick55]

It's me again.

Am I right in thinking that Microsoft has cut a few corners and decreed that any software to be loaded must be by way of a CD disk? In other words, no installation from floppy disks?

CD disks were unknown in DOS's heyday.

Am I right in thinking that if I want to install my old DOS programs, I shall have to purchase a CD burner and transfer all of my DOS programs from floppies to the CD?

I have read the MS Manual (?) but it is corny on the issue. It does not state one thing or the other. Am I the only person left who has DOS floppies and wants to install them on Virtual PC?

Any help would be appreciated?

[Alanoll]

i dunno....

nothing appears on screen? make sure in the properties of hte virtual system its set to capture the keyboard input.

I install stuff via floppy while testing just to see if it works. My Win98 startup disk also works, and it's dos. True not full DOS but still.