How To Use Vdos To Run Old Dos Programs On Windows

What is vDos?

vDos is a DOS emulator designed to run old DOS programs on modern Windows operating systems, particularly useful for 64-bit versions where the built-in NTVDM (NT Virtual DOS Machine) is not available. Unlike DOSBox, which is primarily geared towards gaming, vDos focuses on running text-based DOS applications efficiently and with additional features like network and printer support.

How to Install vDos on Windows

To install vDos, follow these steps:

Download vDos: Go to the vDos download page and download the installation program.
Run the Installer: Open the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts to select an installation directory. The default installation location is typically C:\vDos.
Initial Configuration: After installation, you may need to clear the sample program that loads by default. To do this, right-click on the vDos shortcut, select "Open file location," and then open the autoexec file with Notepad. Delete the contents, save the file, and close Notepad.

How to Use vDos to Run DOS Programs

Preparing Your DOS Program

Place the DOS Program: Copy the executable file of your DOS program into the vDos installation directory (e.g., C:\vDos). This directory will be treated as the initial "C:" directory within vDos.
Navigate to Your Program: When you run vDos, you will see a DOS prompt. Use the dir command to list files in your current folder, and the cd command followed by a folder name to move to that folder. Type .. to go up one directory.

Running Your DOS Program

Execute the Program: At the "C:" DOS prompt, type the name of your DOS software EXE file and press Enter. Your DOS software will load within the vDos window, ready for use.
Using Commands: Familiarize yourself with basic DOS commands such as dir, cd, and copy to manage files and navigate directories within vDos.

Additional Features of vDos

Network and Printer Support

vDos provides network support, which is essential for multi-user DOS applications. It also allows printing to Windows-only printers, including the option to produce PDFs using a virtual printer.

Clipboard Access and File System

vDos offers clipboard access, enabling you to copy and paste text between Windows and DOS applications. The DOS file system within vDos is a subset of the Windows file system, ensuring reliability and preventing data corruption.

Multiple DOS Applications

You can run multiple DOS applications simultaneously, each with its own specific configuration, without conflicts with other Windows applications.

Tips for Effective Use

Optimize Your Configuration: Customize the autoexec file to set up your environment as needed. This file can include commands to load drivers, set file handles, and configure other settings.
Use Scalable Windows: vDos allows you to run DOS applications in scalable windows with crisp TTF fonts, enhancing readability and usability.
Secure and Portable: vDos confines DOS applications to assigned local or network directories, ensuring security. It is also fully portable with a small footprint, making it easy to use on any Windows system.

Alternatives and Considerations

While vDos is ideal for running text-based DOS programs, it is not suitable for gaming. For gaming purposes, consider using DOSBox, which is specifically designed for running old DOS games. Additionally, there is vDosPlus, a fork of vDos with more features, although it is not as frequently updated.