Configuring Software for Windows Vista - Configuring Compatibility for MS-DOS or 16-Bit Software
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Windows Vista cannot run MS-DOS or 16-bit programs that require direct access to your computer’s hardware or that require 16-bit drivers. Windows Vista can run only MS-DOS or 16-bit programs that don’t require direct access to your computer’s hardware and that don’t require 16-bit drivers.
When you run an MS-DOS or 16-bit program, Windows Vista performs some compatibility tasks automatically. Under MS-DOS and 16-bit filesystems, filenames and directory names are restricted to eight characters with a three-character file extension, such as Chapter3.txt. This naming convention is often referred to as the 8.3 file-naming rule or the standard MS-DOS file-naming rule. MS-DOS and 16-bit folder paths are similarly restricted. On the other hand, the filesystems used with Windows Vista support long filenames with up to 255 characters. To help ensure that MS-DOS and 16-bit applications are compatible with your computer, Windows Vista translates between long and short filenames to ensure that your computer’s filesystems are protected when an MS-DOS or 16-bit program modifies files and folders.
Windows Vista runs these MS-DOS and 16-bit programs using a virtual machine that mimics the 386-enhanced mode used by the original operating systems for which these programs were developed: Windows 3.0 and Windows 3.1. Unlike earlier Windows releases, Windows Vista runs multiple MS-DOS and 16-bit programs within a single virtual machine. Although each program is managed using a separate thread, all the programs share a common memory space. As a result, if one MS-DOS or 16-bit program fails, it usually means others running on the computer will fail as well.
You can help prevent one 16-bit or MS-DOS program from causing another to fail by running it in a separate memory space. Although running a program in a separate memory space uses additional memory, you’ll usually find that the program is more responsive. Another added benefit is that you’ll be able to run multiple instances of the program—as long as all the instances are running in separate memory spaces.
To configure a 16-bit or MS-DOS program to run in a separate memory space, complete the following steps.
- Right-click the program’s shortcut or menu option and then select Properties. This opens the program’s Properties dialog box.
- On the Shortcut tab, click the Advanced button. This displays the Advanced Properties dialog box.
- Select the “Run in separate memory space” checkbox.
Click OK twice to close all open dialog boxes and save the changes.
Next: Configuring Compatibility for Other Software >>
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 This article is excerpted from chapter four of the book Windows Vista: The Definitive Guide, written by William R. Stanek (O'Reilly, 2007; ISBN: 0596528000). Check it out today at your favorite bookstore. Buy this book now.
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