DOS shortcuts in WinXP

[fable]

I've been installing a couple of older DOS games (like some of the KOEI products) in WinXP; they run without a problem. However, since they were never designed to run under Windows, they don't create shortcuts, and when I try to create shortcuts for 'em, they fail. I've attempted resetting the configurability screen for earlier Windows iterations; again, no deal. I can run command.com directly, move to the appropriate directory, and launch the batchfile needed to run the program, but if I attempt to do that by creating a shortcut, it fails.

Any ideas how to succeed in this?

I tried putting the KOEI.BAT within the batchfile line, but it won't load.

[Xandax]

When you say they fail - what error message do you get? Or does nothing happens or...?

[fable]

Sometimes, none. Here's an example. I created a shortcut for the KOEI.BAT file I've mentioned. It creates a DOS screen which stays visible for about three seconds, then closes. The batchfile itself apparently doesn't initialize--perhaps it contains commands that are no longer recognized in WinXP; but then, why does it run if I type KOEI after dropping to DOS, and moving to that directory? (And yes, I start the shortcut in that directory.) Compatibility is set for Win98/Me, and I've chosen to maximize the window.

[Xandax]

Hmmm.... I'm at a little loss here, mainly because I don't have XP myself to test this on (running win2k currently) and have no dos games installed.

What it sounds like to me, is that because you run a batch file (your koei.bat) XP will execute that program and finsh it, thus closing the window.

It seems that XP aren't running the program that koei.bat starts up.

This is just a feeling I have based on some programming experience.

Try opening the koei.bat file and take a look at what program it calls in that bat file (proberly some .exe or something) and create a shortcut to that file.

Example:
Supposed that the koei.bat file contained a line that called koei.exe with a number of switches like koei.exe/w/2 or something (just an example).
Try creating a shortcut to the koei.exe file and see if it will run - you can call it with the switches also by typing them in the shortcut menu (batch files are just there to make you type less).

Try that and see what it does - if you don't understand what I mean, try opening the batch file in a text editor and paste the content here.

Hope this helps a little

[fable]

It calls several drivers, and then simply runs one of three executables depending upon flags. Here's part of it:

cd xm
midrv
bgmdrv
grpdrv
checksys.exe
if errorlevel 1 goto EXIT
:OPENING
opening.exe
:STARTUP
if errorlevel 2 goto GAME
if errorlevel 0 goto EXIT
etc...

Now, all this works fine if I run it from DOS--or WinXP's equivalent. But the shortcut creates problems. Since starting this thread I've been able to get it to partially run by changing emulation to Win95, and most importantly, adjusting memory from Auto to 4 MB extended/expanded (I forget at the moment which it requires). But there are still some anomalies relating to the music and mouse that don't crop up if I simply drop to DOS rather than use the shortcut.

[D&D]

my windows XP cant play but maybe 2 dos games.. but when i play them it always skipps around like its lagging

[Xandax]

There should be a DOS emulator program workable for WinXP out on the market (don't know an URL, but think google or alltheweb could reveal it) - wouldn't help Fables problem much, but might be what D&D is looking for.