The real issue isn’t whether you’re running Windows 7, 8, or 10. It’s whether you’re using a 32- or 64-bit version of the operating system. Any 32-bit version of Windows can handle DOS programs easily. A 64-bit version needs a little help.
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Chances are overwhelming that you’re using a 64-bit version. To find out, right-click Start and select System. In the resulting Control Panel window, check the System type.
![0708 x32 or x64](https://images.techhive.com/images/article/2016/06/0708-x32-or-x64-100666828-large.jpg)
WINDOWS 32-BIT
Just launch the DOS program (which will have either a .EXE or .COM file extension) as you would any other Windows file. The first time you do this, a window will pop up, telling you that you need a feature called NTDVM. Click Install this feature, and your program will load.
![0708 x32 ngvdm](https://images.techhive.com/images/article/2016/06/0708-x32-ngvdm-100666826-large.jpg)
Once you’ve done that, you won’t have to do it again. DOS programs will just run in Windows.
WINDOWS 64-BIT
But if you’re running a 64-bit version of Windows (and you probably are), you’ll need a program that can run DOS in a virtual machine inside Windows. And no, that’s nowhere near as scary as it sounds.
Download and install vDos. By default, it installs to C:\vDos, but I recommend you install it into a new folder you create inside your Documents folder. That way, all of your DOS data files will be backed up and protected (assuming you back up—and you should).
![0708 x64 vdos installation](https://images.techhive.com/images/article/2016/06/0708-x64-vdos-installation-100666823-large.jpg)
Why is this important? vDos uses the folder containing the vDos program as a virtual drive C:. Every file you access, create, or alter in the DOS environment will remain in that folder.
When you load vDos, you’ll get a DOS environment in a window. You’ll have to press any key to run a database program. Press 0 to exit that program and get to the old-fashioned DOS prompt. From there you can run any DOS command or launch any DOS program you choose.
![0708 x32 running program](https://images.techhive.com/images/article/2016/06/0708-x32-running-program-100666824-large.jpg)
I found the vDos window uncomfortably big. You can press Win-F11 to shrink it. If you shrink it too much, press Win-F12 to enlarge it.
Then I suggest that you read the Getting Started.pdf file in Windows. If you need more information on the program, type help
at the C:\> DOS prompt.